Galatasaray vs Liverpool: Team news, line-ups and Champions League preview
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The match at RAMS Park promises to be one of the most intriguing fixtures of the knockout stage, with both sides entering the contest in strong but unpredictable form.
Key takeaways
- Galatasaray host Liverpool in the Champions League last-16 first leg in Istanbul.
- Turkish champions beat Liverpool 1-0 earlier this season and boast strong home form.
- Both teams arrive in good form, pointing to a tight and cautious first leg.
Galatasaray riding strong domestic momentum
Galatasaray head into the clash full of confidence after a run of impressive results across domestic competitions.The Turkish giants are currently seven points clear at the top of the Süper Lig, whilst also dominating their Turkish Cup group with four wins from four matches.
Their most recent outing saw them claim a crucial 1-0 derby victory away to Beşiktaş, extending a three-match winning streak.
In Europe, Okan Buruk's side reached the last 16 after a dramatic tie against Juventus.
Galatasaray won the first leg 5-2 in Istanbul before losing 3-0 in Turin, forcing extra time where Victor Osimhen and Barış Alper Yılmaz scored decisive goals to seal qualification.
The Turkish champions have been formidable at home in the Champions League this season, winning three of their five matches, with one of those victories was a 1-0 win over Liverpool earlier in the campaign.
Historically, Istanbul has been a difficult destination for the Reds. Galatasaray have won four consecutive home meetings against Liverpool since 2003.
Liverpool aiming to finish difficult season strongly
Liverpool's campaign has been turbulent, both on and off the pitch, but manager Arne Slot still has silverware firmly in his sights.The Reds progressed to the FA Cup quarter-finals at the weekend with a 3-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, only days after suffering a surprising league defeat against the same opponents.
Liverpool currently sit sixth in the Premier League with 48 points, just three points off the Champions League qualification places.
In Europe, they were impressive during the league phase, finishing third with 18 points, scoring 20 goals and conceding just eight. Their away form has also been solid, with three wins from their last four trips.
However, one of their rare away defeats came against Galatasaray earlier this season.
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Team news
Galatasaray have been handed a timely boost ahead of the Champions League round-of-16 first leg, with several key players returning to full fitness.Defenders Sacha Boey and attacking stars Leroy Sané and Mauro Icardi are all available for selection, strengthening the Turkish side as they prepare to host Liverpool in Istanbul.
Liverpool, meanwhile, will travel to Turkey without a handful of players. Club-record signing Alexander Isak remains unavailable through injury, whilst the defensive trio of Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley and Wataru Endo are also sidelined.
Despite those absences, Slot still has a strong squad at his disposal, with experienced figures such as Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Alisson Becker expected to play key roles in the first leg.
Predicted line-ups
Galatasaray (4-2-3-1):Çakır; Boey, Sánchez, Bardakcı, Jakobs; Ayhan, Lemina; Sané, Sara, Yılmaz; Osimhen
Liverpool (4-2-3-1):
Alisson; Gomez, Konaté, van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Ekitike
Match prediction
Both sides are capable of producing thrilling attacking football but also periods of inconsistency.Galatasaray's aggressive style at home could push the tempo, especially with players like Sané, Osimhen and Yılmaz in attack.
Liverpool, meanwhile, will rely on the creativity of Salah, Florian Wirtz and Dominik Szoboszlai to break down the Turkish defence.
Despite the attacking quality on display, the stakes of a Champions League knockout tie could lead to a more cautious first leg.
Prediction: Galatasaray 1-1 Liverpool
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