A feeling of positivity is back among Liverpool’s fanbase, but opinions are differing over the XI to take on Galatasaray in the Champions League.
The Reds won 3-1 away to Wolves on Friday evening, reaching the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and taking some pressure off Arne Slot.
Liverpool are now into the business end of the season, with big matches coming thick and fast across three competitions.
Here, This Is Anfield pair Henry Jackson (@HenryJackson87) and Joanna Durkan (@JoannaDurkan_) pick their team to face Galatasaray away on Tuesday.
Andy Robertson or Milos Kerkez at left-back vs. Galatasaray?
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - Friday, March 6, 2026: Liverpool's Andy Robertson (R) celebrates with team-mate Curtis Jones after scoring the first goal during the FA Cup 5th Round match between Liverpool FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at Molineux. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
HENRY: Robbo was brilliant against Wolves, but I’m just going to go with Kerkez.
It’s a tough one, though!
Kerkez has been better than Robbo over the past month or two – one good performance against Wolves for the latter doesn’t change that.
I think Kerkez’s pace will be vital at both ends of the pitch, and leaving him out would feel harsh as he’s done very little wrong.
But Robbo showed last night that he is still more than worthy of coming in and doing a great job, and his experience could be key in a cauldron of noise.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, February 8, 2026: Liverpool's Milos Kerkez during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Manchester City FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
JOANNA: I would also start Milos Kerkez, but I would certainly not be against Robbo keeping his place.
I thought Robertson underlined why he remains so important to the club at Wolves and he has still has an important role to play, you just wish Slot would realise that more often.
Kerkez won’t have played for a week and ought to be well-rested, giving him the edge in that respect.
You just have to hope that Cody Gakpo (assuming he starts!) realises that the Hungarian is making runs and to reward them, we have to use that overlap and pace.
Should Rio Ngumoha start vs. Galatasaray?
Rio Ngumoha FA Cup Wolves. March 6, 2026. PA
HENRY: For me, yes.
I’ve liked Gakpo in the past, but he has driven me mad this season, not using his physicality anywhere near enough and generally lacking any kind of spark.
I get that throwing a 17-year-old into a big Champions League game has its risks, but would Rio do any less than Gakpo?
Even if it doesn’t work, it will have been worth the gamble, and Cody could then have more of an impact off the bench against tiring legs.
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - Friday, March 6, 2026: Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha is greeted by head coach Arne Slot as he is substituted off during the FA Cup 5th Round match between Liverpool FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at Molineux. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
JOANNA: Can I see Slot starting him? No. Would I like to see Slot start him? Why not.
As you mention Henry, it is a ‘risky’ match to start Ngumoha and you sense if Slot has scarcely done it so far, he’s not going to do it this time.
In saying that, he will at least ask questions of Galatasaray and force them to think twice, whereas Gakpo is predictable and won’t have them doubting whether he will cut inside or go behind.
Expectations will rightly be managed if the 17-year-old does get the nod, but what I think we can all agree on is that Liverpool need a spark, and why can’t it be Rio?
What would your Liverpool XI vs. Galatasaray be?
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - Friday, March 6, 2026: Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha (L) is replaced by substitute Florian Wirtz during the FA Cup 5th Round match between Liverpool FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at Molineux. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
HENRY: Wirtz is probably only fit enough to start on the bench, otherwise he would be an obvious pick.
I would go with Gomez at right-back, just for the solidity at a tricky ground, but Frimpong starting would be fine.
Mac Allister just keeps his place in midfield, but Jones is pushing him hard and his increasing lack of pace worries me.
I would then go with Salah, Ngumoha and Ekitike in attack, with Gakpo left out.
My XI: Alisson; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Ngumoha; Ekitike.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, January 28, 2026: Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister (R) celebrates with team-mate Hugo Ekitike after scoring his second and his side's fifth goal during the UEFA Champions League match between Liverpool FC and Qaraba? FK at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
JOANNA: A lot of the team picks itself: Alisson, Konate, Van Dijk, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Salah and Ekitike.
I’m going the other way to you, Henry, I would opt for Frimpong over Gomez at right-back to give us some pace on the wing. Hopefully we can use it in the first half, at last!
Mac Allister just about edges out Jones for me as well, and if Wirtz is fit to start, he is straight back in, no questions asked.
He would take Gakpo’s place, for me, and that would leave Ngumoha to come off the bench, sorry!
My XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Ekitike
Have Your Say
Who makes YOUR starting XI for the Champions League clash?
Would you play Ngumoha from the start, stick with the experience of Robertson, risk Wirtz or opt for something else?
Pick your team and leave it in the comments below.