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Galatasaray hosts Liverpool in a decisive round of 16 first leg in the Champions League knockout stage in Istanbul. Scheduled for Tuesday, March 10 at 5:45 P.M. GMT (11:15 P.M. IST), this match marks a significant milestone: Arne Slot’s 100th game in charge of the Premier League giants.

Liverpool progressed directly to the round of 16 after finishing third in the new league phase. However, they face a Turkish side riding a massive wave of momentum. Galatasaray reached this stage by eliminating Italian heavyweights Juventus in a dramatic 7-5 aggregate playoff victory.

With RAMS Park known as one of Europe’s most intimidating venues, Okan Buruk’s men are looking to replicate their 1-0 victory over Liverpool from earlier this season in the league phase.

Galatasaray vs Liverpool Team News and Injury Updates

Liverpool

Arne Slot faces several injury headaches heading into this crucial away trip. First-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker has not traveled due to a late injury, meaning Giorgi Mamardashvili will start in goal.

The Merseyside club are also without Federico Chiesa, Alexander Isak, Wataru Endo, and Conor Bradley due to various injury setbacks. However, Hugo Ekitike and Ibrahima Konate, who were rested in their recent FA Cup win against Wolves, are expected to return to the starting eleven.

Galatasaray

Unlike their opponents, Galatasaray boast an almost fully fit squad. Head coach Okan Buruk has his key stars available, with only reserve player Enes Buyuk sidelined with an injury and Metehan Baltaci unavailable due to suspension. Star striker Victor Osimhen, who has already netted seven Champions League goals this campaign, will lead the line.

Galatasaray vs Liverpool Predicted Lineups

Galatasaray

Cakir; Sallai, Sanchez, Bardakci, Jakobs; Torreira, Lemina; Yilmaz, Sara, Lang; Osimhen.

Liverpool

Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Ekitike.

Galatasaray vs Liverpool Head-to-Head and Recent Form

Galatasaray and Liverpool have crossed paths several times in European history, with the Turkish giants historically proving to be a tough matchup for the Reds.

• In their most recent encounter (September 2025), Galatasaray secured a 1-0 victory over Liverpool at RAMS Park.
• Galatasaray’s home form is formidable; they have suffered only two defeats in their last 46 home matches across all competitions.
• Liverpool, however, arrive in excellent form, having won five of their last six matches, including a 3-1 victory over Wolves.

Galatasaray vs Liverpool Match Prediction

Liverpool’s improved structure under Arne Slot gives them a slight edge in quality, but dismissing Galatasaray in Istanbul is always a mistake. The Turkish champions are lethal in attack, and Osimhen’s physical presence will heavily test Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.

Expect a highly entertaining and chaotic match where both teams find the back of the net. Liverpool will likely prioritize not losing the first leg, setting up a decisive return leg at Anfield.

Final Score Prediction: Galatasaray 2 – 2 Liverpool.

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