The Reds Chase Turnaround in Liverpool
Liverpool return to Anfield on Wednesday night looking to overturn a 1–0 deficit against Galatasaray in the second leg of their CL Round of 16 tie. The Reds were beaten in Istanbul last week, as Mario Lemina’s early goal proved decisive, leaving Arne Slot’s side with work to do in front of their home crowd.
Match Analysis
Liverpool were unable to mark Arne Slot’s 100th game in charge with a positive result in Türkiye, but the manager remains confident his side can respond in the return fixture. He has also called on the Anfield crowd to replicate the intense atmosphere experienced in Istanbul.
Recent form has been inconsistent. Liverpool have won just one of their last four matches in all competitions (D1 L2), and their push for a top-four finish suffered another setback at the weekend. A 1–1 draw at home to Tottenham – sealed by a 90th-minute equaliser from Richarlison – leaves them fifth in the PL, two points behind Aston Villa in fourth with eight games remaining.
Despite that, their European home record remains strong. Liverpool have won 15 of their last 19 European matches at Anfield, and against Turkish opposition they have won five of their last six home games (D1), keeping five clean sheets.
There is also encouragement from previous European ties. Liverpool have progressed from nine of 13 ties after losing the first leg 1–0, although a broader trend is less favourable, with elimination in 11 of their last 16 European knockout ties after an away defeat in the opening leg.
Galatasaray arrive in a strong position. Okan Buruk’s side finished 20th in the League Phase before advancing through the playoffs by defeating Juventus. They now aim to reach the CL quarter-finals for the first time since the 2012–13 season.
The Turkish side have been effective in two-legged ties, progressing in 14 of their last 17 European ties after winning the first leg at home.
However, their away record in Europe remains a concern. Galatasaray have lost 19 of their last 23 CL away matches (W2 D2) and have won just one of their last 12 away games in England (D3 L8), a 3–2 victory over Manchester United in the 2023–24 group stage.
Defensively, they have struggled over a longer period, with only three clean sheets in their last 33 European matches, although two of those came against Liverpool this season.
Domestically, Galatasaray are in strong form. A 3–0 win over Istanbul Basaksehir last weekend extended their lead at the top of the Turkish Super Lig to seven points with 10 games remaining.
Team News
Liverpool remain without Alexander Isak (leg), Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley (both knee) and Wataru Endo (ankle).
Several key players were rested at the weekend. Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike and Ibrahima Konate are expected to return to the starting lineup, while Cody Gakpo and Joe Gomez could drop to the bench.
Florian Wirtz may be used in a wide role, allowing Dominik Szoboszlai — Liverpool’s top scorer in this season’s CL with four goals — to continue in the number 10 position.
For Galatasaray, Enes Buyuk (shoulder) is unavailable, while Metehan Baltaci, Gokdeniz Gurpuz and Renato Nhaga are ineligible.
Davinson Sanchez is suspended, meaning Abdulkerim Bardakci and Ismail Jakobs are expected to return in defence.
In midfield, Okan Buruk must decide between Yunus Akgun, Mario Lemina and Ilkay Gundogan.
Victor Osimhen leads the line as the club’s top scorer with 19 goals in all competitions, including seven in the CL, and could be supported by Baris Alper Yilmaz and Noa Lang.
Odds and Tips
Liverpool have struggled for consistency in recent weeks, but their record at Anfield and experience in European knockout ties could prove decisive.
Galatasaray’s strong first-leg result and recent defensive performances suggest they will remain competitive, but their away record in Europe raises questions.
Tip: Liverpool win (after extra time) at 6.80.
Please note that the odds might have changed since the writing and/or publication of this article.
Last updated: 17.03.26
