Predicted Liverpool XI vs Galatasaray – Wirtz back in the side | OneFootball

Liverpool will head to Rams Park on Tuesday night for a high-stakes Champions League round-of-16 first leg against Super Lig giants Galatasaray.

The Reds are out to avenge a 1-0 defeat in Istanbul during the league phase earlier this season and travel to Turkey buoyed by five wins from their last six matches in all competitions.

Liverpool have been handed a major boost by the return of Florian Wirtz. The German playmaker, recently sidelined with a back injury, made his comeback off the bench in Friday’s 3-1 FA Cup win over Wolves and is now pushing for a start.

However, the spotlight remains on Alexis Mac Allister. Despite his father’s comments regarding the absence of contract negotiations, the Argentine remains pivotal to Arne Slot’s tactical setup.

After limping off against Wolves with a minor knee injury, Mac Allister has been cleared to travel and is expected to partner Ryan Gravenberch in centre midfield, with Dominik Szoboszlai featuring higher up.

Defensively, Liverpool remain without Conor Bradley (knee), so Jeremie Frimpong is set to start at right-back, and Milos Kerkez should come in for Andrew Robertson on the opposite flank.

Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk will face a stern test against Victor Osimhen, who has already netted 18 goals this season, including the winner in September’s clash.

Up front, Hugo Ekitike is expected to lead the line after being rested last time out, while Mohamed Salah will be aiming to score for a third consecutive game.

Predicted Liverpool XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Ekitike.