
The Football Faithful
·30 September 2025
Galatasaray vs Liverpool – Match Preview and Team News

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Yahoo sportsThe Football Faithful
·30 September 2025
Liverpool will be looking to bounce back from their first defeat of the season on Tuesday when they travel to the intimidating RAMS Park to face Galatasaray in the Champions League.
The Turkish champions were also on the receiving end of a heavy defeat on matchday one. This sets the stage for a crucial encounter where both sides need a positive result to get their European campaigns on track.
The hosts are boosted by the return of star striker Victor Osimhen, who is in contention for his first start since August. However, they will be without key right-back Sacha Boey due to a muscle problem, while influential midfielder Lucas Torreira is a doubt for the match.
Arne Slot has a near full-strength squad for the trip to Istanbul, with Federico Chiesa, who replaced the ACL-torn Giovanni Leoni, as the only confirmed absentee. Hugo Ekitike returns from a domestic suspension and is expected to lead the line, while Mohamed Salah is just two goals shy of his 50th in the competition.
The Turkish giants are in perfect form domestically, having won all seven of their league games to sit top of the table. Their European form is a stark contrast, however. They have won just one of their last 18 Champions League matches and were thrashed 5-1 by Eintracht Frankfurt on matchday one.
The Reds’ perfect start to the season was ended by a 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace on Saturday, a result that exposed defensive frailties. In the Champions League, though, their record is formidable. They have won 13 of their last 14 group/league stage matches and are on a remarkable 23-game scoring streak in this phase of the competition.
Galatasaray predicted XI: Cakir; Sallai, Singo, Sanchez, Elmali; Torreira, Lemina; Sane, Gundogan, Akgun; Osimhen
Liverpool predicted XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Gakpo, Wirtz, Salah; Ekitike
The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+ in the UK. Coverage begins at 7:30 pm BST.