Overview
Galatasaray had to overcome a dramatic play-off against Juventus to win a ticket to the knockout round. Despite winning 7-5 overall, the Turkish representative was still dragged into extra time after Juventus unexpectedly led 3-0 in the second leg, even though they only played with 10 men for most of the second half.
The big challenge for Galatasaray in the match against Liverpool is that they will not have cheers from the Anfield stands in the second leg. After the disturbances of fans in the match against Juventus, UEFA has banned Turkish team fans from going to the away stadium. Therefore, winning a positive result at home at RAMS Park in the first leg becomes even more important.
Galatasaray once defeated Liverpool in the group stage thanks to a penalty after Dominik Szoboszlai's hand touch. Although that goal was somewhat lucky, Galatasaray still showed a disciplined playing style when minimizing the opponent's dangerous opportunities and deserved to win.
Coach Okan Buruk is aiming for his fourth consecutive victory in all competitions. If they defeat Liverpool, it will also be Galatasaray's sixth consecutive victory at home.
At RAMS Park, the Turkish representative often plays very explosively in the European arena. They scored at least 3 goals in 8 of their last 13 home matches, although the defense only kept a clean sheet once in the last 8 matches.
Meanwhile, Liverpool traveled to Istanbul after 2 consecutive matches against Wolves, losing 1-2 in the Premier League before avenging with a 3-1 victory in the FA Cup last weekend.
The defeat to Wolves is the only match in Liverpool's last six appearances that they have not won. However, Arne Slot's team has not yet shown a truly convincing performance in some victories.
The Kop have conceded 5 goals in the last 3 matches - more than the previous 6 matches combined (3 goals). However, their attack still maintains good performance when scoring 3 or more goals in 3 of the last 5 matches.
Liverpool also impressed away from home in this season's Champions League. In 4 away games, they only conceded 2 goals and scored 9 goals.
Despite possessing superior squad quality and being rated higher, the head-to-head history is not on the side of the English representative. In six previous encounters with Galatasaray, Liverpool only won one match, drew two and lost three.
Personnel situation
Okan Buruk said Galatasaray will field the strongest squad to put pressure on Liverpool's defense. In which, striker Victor Osimhen is expected to be the main spearhead in the home team's attack.
The Nigerian striker is likely to receive support from two attacking players Baris Yilmaz and Noa Lang. In midfield, former Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira may partner Mario Lemina, who has played for Southampton and Wolves.
On Liverpool's side, the away team is still affected by some injuries, but Alexander Isak and Conor Bradley are two names that are likely to be considered in the starting lineup.
In case Isak is not ready, the center forward position may be given to Hugo Ekitike. Meanwhile, Jeremie Frimpong is expected to replace Bradley to take on the role on the right flank.
In attack, Cody Gakpo is facing much criticism for his form. Although young talent Rio Ngumoha impressed in the most recent match, Florian Wirtz is likely to be pulled to the wing to give the number 10 position to Dominik Szoboszlai.
Expected lineup:
Cakir, Sallai, Sanchez, Bardakci, Jakobs, Torreira, Lemina, Yilmaz, Akgun, Lang, Osimhen.
Alisson, Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Salah, Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Ekitike.
The match between Galatasaray and Liverpool takes place at 0:45 AM on March 11 (Vietnam time).
