Liverpool boss Arne Slot looks on during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and West Ham United at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on February 28, 2026. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images)placeholder image
Liverpool boss Arne Slot looks on during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and West Ham United at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on February 28, 2026. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
Liverpool team predicted to face Galatasaray in the Champions League last 16 first leg at Rams Park.
The Reds have endured a challenging 2025-26 campaign, with their Premier League title defence insipid and ended by the start of December. But Liverpool know they can still have a special season if they add a seventh European Cup to the trophy cabinet.
Arne Slot’s side have been much better in the Champions League than domestically. Liverpool finished third in the league phase of the competition and are among the favourites for glory.
But the Reds do not need reminding how challenging of an opponent Galatasaray will be. The Turkish giants beat Liverpool 1-0 in the league phase at Rams Park and have plenty of quality. There will also be another white-hot atmosphere in Istanbul.
Slot’s side beat Wolves 3-1 in the FA Cup fifth round in their previous game, so there are decisions for the head coach to make - although the injury to Alisson Becker in training is untimely.
With everything in mind, here’s how Liverpool could line-up.
Liverpool team predicted vs Galatasaray
GK - Giorgi Mamardashvili
Alisson’s surprise injury means that Mamardashvili will deputise between the posts. The summer signing from Valencia also came off the bench against Galatasaray in the league phase game for an injured Alisson.
RB - Joe Gomez
Slot does have a couple of options in the position. The Liverpool boss may want to be a bit more pragmatic playing away so Gomez could just get the nod over Frimpong.
CB - Ibrahima Konate
Given a rest at Wolves and that was needed given the number of games he has played of late. Konate should benefit.
CB - Virgil van Dijk
Galatasaray boss Okan Buruk has already admitted that his side will have to be cautious about Van Dijk’s set-piece threat. But it will be even more important that Van Dijk can nullify Gala talisman Victor Osimhen.
LB - Milos Kerkez
Andy Robertson’s performance against Wolves was inspirational in the victory. However, Kerkez has been first choice for the majority of the campaign and Slot is unlikely to deviate from his initial plan.
CM - Ryan Gravenberch
The Netherlands international penned a new contract at the weekend. He will be hoping to immedaitely justify that decision.
CM - Alexis Mac Allister
Had a difficult season but started to show improvements of late and his experience in a hostile atmosphere will be paramount.
RW - Mo Salah
Netted against Wolves and Salah will be hoping that he can light the touchpaper to a strong ending to the season.
AM - Dominik Szoboszlai
The pressing of Liverpool’s talisman will be imperative, while he will be expected to deliver in the final third.
LW - Florian Wirtz
There will be plenty of fans who would like to see Rio Ngumoha continue after his sparkling display at Wolves. But it is likely that Slot will want more experience in a Rams Park bear pit. There is a decision between Wirtz and Cody Gakpo but it might be the former’s creativity that just gives him the edge.
ST - Hugo Ekitike
Completely rested at Wolves and he should reap the rewards.
Woodman, Miscuir, Frimpong, Robertson, Nallo, Jones, Nyoni, Gakpo, Ngumoha, Morrison.
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