Galatasaray vs Liverpool: Three Key Factors To Consider, Predicted Lineups, Injuries

The Galatasaray vs Liverpool clash will be one of the big fixtures of the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, September 30, when the two sides meet at Rams Park in Istanbul in what should be a tense and emotionally charged encounter.

Liverpool are looking to recover after their recent Premier League defeat and solidify their claims in Europe, while Galatasaray – buoyed by strong domestic form and the possible return of Victor Osimhen – will be aiming to make a statement in front of their home crowd.

Match Details

Rams Park
Istanbul, Turkey
30 September
Kickoff 20:00 BST

An Opportunity to Rebound for Liverpool

Liverpool arrive having suffered a disappointing loss to Crystal Palace, ending what was a strong start in the Premier League. The Eagles are now the only unbeaten team in the Premier League so far, and will take great pride in beating the reigning champions.

The Reds need this Champions League fixture to right some wrongs, particularly defensively, as their back line has shown signs of vulnerability.

Manager Arne Slot will be demanding a better showing, one with more defensive discipline and urgency, especially away from home.

Galatasaray’s Momentum & Osimhen’s Return

Galatasaray are in excellent domestic form, with seven consecutive wins to start the Super Lig season.

Victor Osimhen, sidelined with an ankle injury, is expected to return to the starting XI for this match and provides a major boost to their attacking options. His presence could change the way Galatasaray approach Liverpool, giving them more directness and a focal point in attack.

Can Liverpool Contain the Threat & Sort Defensive Woes?

Liverpool’s defensive concerns are mounting.

Giovanni Leoni is ruled out for the season with an ACL injury. Federico Chiesa is also unavailable with a minor issue and cannot complete training.

The defence has already looked shaky in recent Premier League matches, conceding from set pieces and transitions. Against Galatasaray, Liverpool will need their full-backs, Jeremie Frimpong and Miles Kerkez/Andy Robertson, to stay alert, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate to lead from the back, and the midfield to shield the defence better.

Meanwhile, Galatasaray will exploit any gap with Osimhen up front, and Mauro Icardi remains a potent threat whether starting or off the bench.

Galatasaray vs Liverpool Injuries

Galatasaray injuries: None

Liverpool injuries: Giovanni Leoni, Federico Chiesa, Jayden Danns

Galatasaray vs Liverpool Predicted Lineups

Galatasaray predicted XI: Ugurcan Cakir, Wilfried Singo, Davinson Sanchez, Abdulkerim Bardakci, Ismail Jakobs, Lucas Torreira, Mario Lemina, Yunus Akgun, Ilkay Gundogan, Baris Alper Yilmaz, Victor Osimhen

Liverpool predicted XI: Alisson, Jeremie Frimpong, Ibrahim Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, Mohamed Salah, Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo, Alexander Isak