The Champions League round of 16 begins in Istanbul, where Liverpool travel to Turkey to face Galatasaray on Tuesday night. The Turkish side reached this stage after a thrilling 7-5 aggregate victory over Juventus in the play-offs, scoring five of those goals at home.
Galatasaray have been formidable at Rams Park, remaining unbeaten in 44 of their last 46 competitive matches. Their most recent home defeat came in late December against Royale Union SG in the Champions League.
Liverpool avoided the play-offs after a strong run during the league phase and have lost just three of their last 23 matches in all competitions, all against Premier League opposition.
However, Arne Slot’s side did suffer a 1-0 defeat to Galatasaray earlier this season and have won only one of their last five meetings with the Turkish club. The Reds have also never won away to Galatasaray in three previous attempts.
Galatasaray are in the Champions League knockout rounds for the first time since the 2013/14 season and will look to take advantage of their impressive home form ahead of the return leg at Anfield.
The Premier League champions will head into this tie as favourites to progress over two legs. Victory would set up a quarter-final clash with either Chelsea or defending champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones is one booking away from suspension for the second leg, as players who receive three yellow cards from the league stage onward must serve a one-match ban.
Galatasaray also have several players at risk, with Ugurcan Cakir, Ismail Jakobs, Davinson Sanchez, Abdulkerim Bardakci, Roland Sallai and Victor Osimhen all on two cautions, while January loan signing Noa Lang was previously booked twice for Napoli.
Osimhen has been in outstanding form in the competition this season, recording seven goals and two assists in eight Champions League appearances.
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