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Liverpool host Galatasaray at Anfield on Wednesday night in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg, trailing 1–0 from the first meeting in Istanbul. The tie will decide who advances to the quarterfinals, with Liverpool needing to overturn the deficit on home soil.
Arne Slot’s side were beaten at RAMS Park last week, leaving them with work to do in front of their supporters. Liverpool enter the match following a 1–1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur, while Galatasaray arrive in strong domestic form after a 3–0 win over İstanbul Başakşehir extended their lead at the top of the Süper Lig.
Anfield Set for Decisive European Night
Liverpool’s recent record in Champions League knockout matches at Anfield has been mixed. Since their 4–0 victory over Barcelona in 2019, they have won only one of their last seven home legs in the competition. That record adds further pressure to a side seeking to avoid consecutive eliminations at this stage.
Galatasaray travel with a narrow advantage but face a challenging historical trend. The Turkish side have lost 20 of their last 25 away matches in the Champions League, including four defeats in five knockout-stage trips. Their ability to manage the occasion away from home could prove decisive.
The atmosphere at Anfield may also play a role. Galatasaray supporters will not be present after a travel ban following incidents in the previous round, leaving a fully home crowd to influence the contest.
Team News and Predicted Lineups
Liverpool are expected to welcome Alisson Becker back into the starting lineup after he returned from a minor injury at the weekend. The Brazilian goalkeeper is set to replace Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Several players remain unavailable, including Alexander Isak, Wataru Endo, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni. Mohamed Salah is expected to retain his place despite a quiet performance in the first leg, while teenager Rio Ngumoha is pushing for a start after impressing domestically.
Curtis Jones could be introduced in midfield, with Ibrahima Konaté and Hugo Ekitiké also in line to return to the starting XI.
Liverpool predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):
Alisson; Frimpong, Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones; Salah, Szoboszlai, Ngumoha; Ekitiké.
Galatasaray will be without Davinson Sánchez, who serves a one-match suspension after accumulating yellow cards. Okan Buruk may turn to Wilfried Singo in central defence, with Sacha Boey an option at right-back.
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| Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Galatasaray |
The visitors have few injury concerns, with Enes Büyük the only expected absentee due to fitness issues, while Metehan Baltacı is suspended.
Victor Osimhen remains a key figure. The forward has already contributed decisive moments against Liverpool this season and arrives in form after scoring in the league at the weekend.
Galatasaray predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):
Çakır; Boey, Singo, Bardakcı, Jakobs; Torreira, Lemina; Yılmaz, Sara, Lang; Osimhen.
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| Galatasaray Predicted Lineup vs. Liverpool |
Key Battle: Containing Osimhen
Victor Osimhen’s influence across both meetings between the sides has been significant, with his contributions shaping key moments in the tie. Liverpool’s defensive structure, led by Virgil van Dijk, will be tested by the striker’s movement and finishing ability.
At the other end, Liverpool’s attacking unit must convert chances more efficiently than in the first leg, where missed opportunities proved costly.
Kick-Off Time and Match Details
- Location: Liverpool, England
- Stadium: Anfield
- Date: Wednesday, March 18
- Kick-off: 8:00 PM GMT
- Referee: Szymon Marciniak
- VAR: Marco Di Bello
Prediction
Liverpool are expected to push aggressively in front of their home crowd, while Galatasaray aim to protect their advantage and exploit counterattacking opportunities. The balance of the tie suggests a closely contested second leg.
Prediction: Liverpool 3–1 Galatasaray (after extra time), Liverpool advance 3–2 on aggregate.