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Liverpool are back in Champions League action this week as they travel to Turkey for a high-stakes clash with Galatasaray on matchday two of the group stage. The Reds arrive on the back of their first Premier League defeat of the season at Crystal Palace, while the hosts are flying high in the Turkish Super Lig. Both teams come into the game with big players under the spotlight, injury concerns to manage, and plenty of anticipation surrounding how the battle might unfold.
Liverpool’s Squad Update: Chiesa Sidelined, Ekitike Returns
The biggest Liverpool headline is the absence of Federico Chiesa. The Italian winger has been in good form since his summer arrival, but he picked up a knock in the weekend defeat at Selhurst Park. Head coach Arne Slot explained that Chiesa attempted to take part in Monday’s training session, but couldn’t finish and was left behind in England. With Chelsea looming at the weekend, the staff decided not to risk him.
It is a frustrating setback for Liverpool given Chiesa had just been added to their official Champions League squad list, replacing the injured Giovanni Leoni. His energy and direct attacking play will be missed, especially in an intimidating away fixture like this one.
On the positive side, Hugo Ekitike is back. The French striker has been one of the bright sparks of Liverpool’s campaign so far, scoring five goals in his first eight games since joining from Eintracht Frankfurt in July. His movement and finishing have given the team a new dimension, and his availability is a big boost for Slot.
Speaking ahead of the match, Ekitike was open to the possibility of linking up with Alexander Isak in a two-striker system.
“I’ve been playing in a two-striker composition, one striker, so I can do a lot of things,” he said. “If we have to play together, I can do that.” That flexibility could prove vital against a Galatasaray team with plenty of attacking firepower of their own.
Galatasaray’s Striker Dilemma: Icardi in Form, Osimhen in Doubt
For Galatasaray, all eyes are on the fitness of Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian forward has only just returned from an ankle injury, making a brief cameo in Friday’s 1-0 win over Alanyaspor. Manager Okan Buruk confirmed that Osimhen has trained and will be assessed again before a final decision is made. Even if he only makes the bench, his presence is bound to lift the home crowd.
In Osimhen’s absence, Mauro Icardi has carried the load superbly. The Argentine has started the season strongly with five goals in seven matches, reminding everyone of his poaching instincts. He remains Galatasaray’s biggest goal threat, especially if Osimhen isn’t ready to start.
Galatasaray also made waves in the transfer market this summer, landing Ilkay Gundogan and Leroy Sane from Manchester City. Their quality adds further experience and creativity to a squad already brimming with attacking potential. As Buruk put it, “We have been through a transitional period but now Galatasaray need to show our identity.” He described this as one of the toughest matches in his four years in charge, acknowledging Liverpool’s quality but also stressing his side’s readiness to compete.
Last Time Out: Contrasting Results
Galatasaray edged Alanyaspor 1-0 thanks to Icardi’s decisive goal. It wasn’t a vintage performance, but it kept them unbeaten in the league and showed their ability to grind out results even when not at their best. Their back line, marshaled by Davinson Sanchez, looked solid, and the midfield pairing of Lucas Torreira and Gundogan offered control.
Liverpool, on the other hand, fell 2-1 at Crystal Palace. Ismaila Sarr and Eddie Nketiah scored for the home side, with Federico Chiesa’s late equalizer proving only temporary before Nketiah’s stoppage-time winner. It was a tough loss for Arne Slot’s men, who had previously looked so resilient in the Premier League. The Reds now face the task of bouncing back quickly in an even more hostile environment.
Possible Lineups
Looking at the available options, here’s how both teams might line up.
Galatasaray (v Alanyaspor): Cakir; Singo, Sanchez, Bardakci, Elmalı; Torreira, Gundogan, Sara; Sane, Icardi, Yilmaz.
With Osimhen potentially fit enough for the bench, Buruk may keep faith in Icardi from the start. Leroy Sane and Kerem Akturkoglu provide width and pace, while Gundogan brings his trademark composure in midfield.
Liverpool (v Crystal Palace): Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Wirtz, Salah, Isak.
Slot could name a similar lineup, though Ekitike is pushing for a start, possibly in place of Isak or alongside him. Much depends on whether Liverpool opt for a more cautious system away from home or go toe-to-toe with Galatasaray’s attack.
The Atmosphere Factor
A trip to Istanbul is never straightforward. Galatasaray’s fans are famously passionate, creating one of the loudest and most intimidating stadiums in Europe. For Liverpool’s younger players like Conor Bradley and Kerkez, handling that environment will be as much a test as anything on the pitch. Arne Slot’s side will need to show composure, avoid being rattled by the occasion, and use their own big-game experience to weather the storm. Leaders like Van Dijk, Salah, and Alisson will play a key role in steadying the team.
What This Match Means
This is just the second group-stage fixture, but it already feels significant. A win for Liverpool would put them in a strong position in the group and send a message after the Palace defeat. For Galatasaray, victory would underline their credentials as genuine contenders to progress, especially if they can topple one of Europe’s heavyweights at home. Both managers have spoken respectfully about the other side, but the underlying tone is clear: this is a battle of equals, and the margins will be thin.
Prediction
It’s tough to call given the quality on both sides and the uncertainty around Osimhen’s fitness. Galatasaray will be dangerous, especially with Icardi and Sane in form, but Liverpool have the edge in experience and individual match-winners like Salah. If Ekitike makes the difference on his Champions League debut, the Reds might just sneak it. A score draw also feels possible, but I’ll lean towards Liverpool edging a thrilling contest 2-1.
Conclusion
Galatasaray v Liverpool promises to be one of the standout fixtures of matchday two. With stars like Salah, Icardi, Sane, and Ekitike on display, fans can expect drama, goals, and intensity from start to finish. Liverpool’s response after the Palace setback will tell us plenty about their character under Arne Slot. Galatasaray, meanwhile, see this as an opportunity to showcase their growth under Buruk and prove they belong at Europe’s top table. Whatever the outcome, this clash under the lights in Istanbul is one no football fan will want to miss.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com