Liverpool team news has been confirmed with the starting line-up for the Champions League round of 16 first leg at Galatasaray this evening
ISTANBUL, TURKEY - MARCH 10: Florian Wirtz of Liverpool arrives at the stadium prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Galatasaray SK and Liverpool FC at Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi on March 10, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Burak Kara - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Florian Wirtz of Liverpool arrives at Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi ahead of the Champions League clash with Galatasaray(Image: Burak Kara - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images))
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Florian Wirtz will make his first start in four games after Arne Slot named a strong starting line-up for the Champions League clash at Galatasaray.
Wirtz, who made his comeback as a late substitute in the Premier League win at Wolves on Friday after being absent with a back problem, steps in to the left of the attack for the round of 16 first leg showdown at Rams Park this evening.
It’s one of five changes made by Slot against the Turkish champions, with there being enforced rotation in goal with Giorgi Mamardashvili replacing the injured Alisson Becker.
Joe Gomez switches from centre-back to right-back to allow for the return of Ibrahima Konate at the heart of defence alongside skipper Virgil van Dijk.
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Milos Kerkez comes in at left-back, while Dominik Szoboszlai is moved to the number 10 role as Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister continue at the base of midfield.
Hugo Ekitike is promoted from the bench to lead the line while Mohamed Salah, who was among the substitutes for the 1-0 league stage defeat here in September, is on the right wing.
Liverpool have Freddie Woodman and Kornel Misciur as goalkeepers on a bench that also includes young centre-back Amara Nallo and teenage winger Kieran Morrison.
LIVERPOOL (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvili; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Ekitike. Subs: Woodman, Misciur, Jones, Gakpo, Robertson, Frimpong, Nyoni, Nallo, Morrison, Ngumoha.
GALATASARAY (4-2-3-1): Cakir; Singo, Sanchez, Bardakci, Jakobs; Torreira, Lemina; Lang, Sara, Yilmaz; Osimhen Subs: Sen, Guvenc, Sallai, Icardi, Sane, Akgun, Elmali, Gundogan, Kutucu, Asprilla, Ayhan, Boey