Galatasaray vs. Liverpool: UEFA Champions League Clash in Istanbul

UEFA Champions League action returns to Galatasaray`s Rams Park on Tuesday evening, marking only the second time in five years that the stadium will host such a prestigious fixture. The Turkish champions face a significant challenge as they welcome English football giants Liverpool. Manager Okan Buruk`s squad is under considerable pressure after a dismal start to their league phase campaign, which saw them suffer a heavy 5-1 defeat away to Eintracht Frankfurt, leaving them in a challenging 35th position out of 36 teams.

Liverpool`s opening Champions League match against Atletico Madrid was also a high-scoring affair. Arne Slot`s team initially took a two-goal lead but saw it erased by a familiar opponent, Marcos Llorente, only for Virgil van Dijk to secure a dramatic late winner. This crucial victory came after a weekend Premier League match where the league leaders suffered a late defeat against Crystal Palace. Now, Liverpool must shake off that domestic disappointment and concentrate on securing their progression from the Champions League group stage.

Viewing Information

• Date: Tuesday, Sep. 30
• Time: 3 p.m. ET
• Location: Rams Park — Istanbul
• Live stream: Paramount+
• Odds: Galatasaray +340; Draw +333; Liverpool -154

Team News

Galatasaray

Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk faces a welcome selection headache following Victor Osimhen`s return from injury in Tuesday`s game against Alanyaspor, meaning all key players are available for this crucial Champions League encounter. Buruk must decide whether to deploy experienced European campaigners such as Ilkay Gundogan and Leroy Sane or stick with players who have a longer history with Galatasaray.

Regardless of the starting lineup, Liverpool can expect a notoriously hostile reception, both on and off the field, in Istanbul. Manager Buruk stated, “We will face a strong and in-form team, one that has performed well in both the league and the Champions League, despite their recent loss. These home matches are our chance to demonstrate our capabilities on this stage. We will play and strategize like Galatasaray. We need to exert significant pressure and make our opponents feel our presence.”

Possible Galatasaray XI: Ugurcan Cakir; Wilfried Singo, Davinson Sanchez, Abdulkerim Bardakci, Ismael Jakobs; Lucas Torreira, Mario Lemina; Yunus Akgun, Ilkay Gundogan, Leroy Sane; Victor Osimhen

Liverpool

While Crystal Palace`s last-minute winner against Liverpool was unexpected, there were earlier indications of Liverpool`s recent struggles, notably how they squandered a two-goal advantage against Atletico Madrid in their first Champions League match. Similar to Galatasaray`s coach, Slot has a full Champions League squad at his disposal (Giovanni Leoni was replaced by Federico Chiesa after an ACL injury). He may consider reinforcing his midfield for this challenging away fixture.

If Slot prioritizes defensive solidity, Florian Wirtz, the former Bayer Leverkusen player who was briefly Liverpool`s record signing, could be benched, as he has yet to find his form or contribute a goal or assist in either domestic or European competitions. Questions also loom over Mohamed Salah, who, despite an impressive performance against Atletico Madrid, has frequently appeared out of sync in the Premier League. There is speculation that some of Liverpool`s key players might be rested for the Istanbul match.

Possible Liverpool XI: Alisson; Jeremie Frimpong, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Andrew Robertson; Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch; Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo; Alexander Isak

Matchday 2 TV Schedule (All times U.S./Eastern)