Galatasaray vs Liverpool – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

The hosts have won their last two matches vs the Reds, both at home. Arne Slot’s side won six of eight matches in the League Phase and are favourites to win this last-16 first leg.

Galatasaray Form

Galatasaray have won eight of their last ten matches in all competitions. After losing 2-0 at Man City in the Champions League, they won four straight domestic matches. A famous 5-2 home win over ten-man Juventus saw Gala put up 22 shots and five big chances created.

A 2-0 loss away to Konyaspor was followed by a 3-2 loss away to Juventus in the return leg saw the Turkish side trailing 3-0 before they scored twice in extra time to progress. They have won their last three matches, including 1-0 at Besiktas on Saturday in the league. They played 30 minutes with ten men and allowed 24 shots in a key win.

Galatasaray Team News

Galatasaray are set to recall Ilkay Gundogan in the number ten role for this match. Leroy Sane will hope to start despite his red card in the last match.

Key defender Metehan Baltaci is suspended for this match. Wilfried Singo will come into the XI. Victor Osimhen is the key man up front with seven Champions League goals this season.

Galatasaray Motivation

Coach Okan Buruk will just want to progress from the tie. A one-goal loss would be acceptable.

They will want to avoid conceding a goal in this match for as long as possible. That will force Juventus to become desperate and leave gaps at the back.

Liverpool Form

Liverpool have won five of their last six matches in all competitions. They beat Newcastle 4-1 with seven big chances created in a fine performance. A late 2-1 home defeat to Man City was followed by a 1-0 win at Sunderland a 3-0 home win over Brighton in the FA Cup.

The Reds needed a 97^th minute goal to win 1-0 at Nottingham Forest before thrashing West Ham 5-2 with goals coming from set-piece goals. They lost 2-1 at Wolves in the league but bounced back to win 3-1 at Wolves in the FA Cup last Friday with a 20-4 shot count.

Liverpool Team News

Arne Slot is without Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni in defence for this match. Ibrahima Konate will return to the XI. Alisson is ruled out with a muscle injury in goal.

Alexander Isak is injured up front and Wataru Endo will play no part. Florian Wirtz is fit to play whilst Hugo Ekitike will start after being an unused sub in the win over Wolves. Federico Chiesa is ruled out.

Liverpool Motivation

The Reds will be hugely motivated to go deep in the Champions League. A draw in Turkiye would be a great first leg result.

Arne Slot’s side is expected to be compact and less attacking than usual. They will use a narrow shape and look to secure a clean sheet.

Key Stats

• Galatasaray have won 8 of their last 10 matches
• Galatasaray have won their last 2 matches vs Liverpool
• Liverpool have won 6 of their last 8 matches in all competitions
• Liverpool have won 6 of their 8 Champions League matches this season
• Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike has scored 4 goals in his last 6 matches

Verdict

Despite Alisson’s absence, and the form of Osimhen, Liverpool are backed to win in Istanbul on Tuesday.

Best Bet: Liverpool win at 1.75

Value Bet: Liverpool win and Ekitike to score anytime at 2.50