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Galatasaray vs Liverpool – Champions League Preview

Date: Tuesday, 30th September 2025

Venue: RAMS Park, Istanbul

Kick-off: 20:00 BST

Liverpool head to Istanbul in game-week two of the Champions League, seeking to bounce back from their first defeat of the season at Selhurst Park. Arne Slot’s side saw their perfect domestic record ended in the 97th minute against Crystal Palace, but the focus now shifts to Europe, where the Reds edged Atletico Madrid late at Anfield in their opening fixture.

Galatasaray, meanwhile, will view this as an opportunity to make a statement. A raucous atmosphere awaits in Istanbul, and Slot’s men know that three points here would not only steady momentum but also strengthen their grip on the group before a tricky trip to Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Galatasaray Availability

The Turkish champions are always a force on home soil, combining technical flair with relentless energy. Mauro Icardi remains their focal point in attack, while Wilfried Zaha offers pace and direct threat from the left flank. Kerem Aktürkoğlu is another danger man, capable of stretching defences with clever movement.

Midfield control will fall to Lucas Torreira, whose combative style is vital to breaking up the opposition’s rhythm. At the back, Davinson Sánchez anchors the defence, though Galatasaray have shown vulnerability against pace in transition. Their biggest weapon, however, is the cauldron-like atmosphere at RAMS Park, which often unsettles visiting sides. Despite having won their last two domestic games, they were humbled in their opening Champions League encounter, as Bundesliga side, Eintracht Frankfurt, beat the Turkish club 5-1.

Predicted Galatasaray Lineup (3-4-3):

GK: Uğurcan Çakır

RCB: Wilfried Singo

CB: Davinson Sánchez

LCB: Abdülkerim Bardakcı

RWB: Roland Sallai

CM: Lucas Torreira

CM: Gabriel Sara

LWB: Eren Elmalı

RW: Barış Alper Yılmaz

CF: Mauro Icardi

LW: Leroy Sané

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Liverpool Availability

A run of late wins culminated in a first loss of the season against Crystal Palace will surely see some form of tactical changes by Arne Slot, as this game works towards the vital game against Chelsea on Saturday late afternoon.

Federico Chiesa’s recent impact will be preserved for the weekend as despite being added to the Champions League squad, therefore, he is not in this travelling party. Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez could be set to marshal the back line, with Alisson Becker again between the posts. I suspect Curtis Jones and Jeremie Frimpong will receive recalls, as Cody Gakpo almost certainly comes back into the team.

Predicted Liverpool Lineup (4-2-3-1):

GK: Alisson Becker

RB: Jeremie Frimpong

RCB: Joe Gomez

LCB: Virgil van Dijk (c)

LB: Andy Robertson

CM: Ryan Gravenberch

CM: Curtis Jones

ACM: Dominic Szobozlai

RW: Mohamed Salah

CF: Hugo Ekitike

LW: Cody Gakpo

How Will This Contest Play Out?

Galatasaray will aim to press high early, feed off the crowd, and look to exploit wide areas with the veteran, Mauro Icardi, adding a genuine threat up front. Liverpool, however, will dominate possession and try to silence the atmosphere with patience and control. The midfield battle between Gravenberch and Torreira could shape the rhythm of the game, while Salah against a team which conceded five in match week one looks like a mismatch on paper.

Slot’s men must remain disciplined — Turkish sides thrive on chaos and Liverpool cannot allow themselves to be dragged into a frantic game. If they impose their patterns and keep composure, the Reds should have enough to return from Istanbul with maximum points. I expect Alexander Isak to arrive later on in this game.

Player to Watch: Hugo Ekitike

The Frenchman has added desire and end product to Liverpool’s attack in recent weeks, with his return from a domestic suspension perhaps adding fuel to his internal fire.

Steven Smith’s Score Prediction:

Galatasaray 1 – 2 Liverpool

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