Premier League champions Liverpool travel to Istanbul to face Galatasaray in the Champions League on Tuesday night, looking to end their winless run in the city. The Reds have never won a match in Istanbul, a record that stretches back nearly two decades.
Their most memorable visit remains the 2005 Champions League final comeback against AC Milan
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the fixture
How to Watch
- Kick-off: Tuesday, 8pm BST
- TV channel (UK): The match will be available exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, with coverage starting at 7pm BST.
Recent Form
Galatasaray:
The Turkish champions are looking to end a miserable recent run in Europe’s top competition. Two weeks ago, despite taking an early lead through Yunus Akgün, Okan Buruk’s side were dismantled 5-1 by Eintracht Frankfurt at Waldstadion.
Domestically, however, they’ve been flawless. Galatasaray have won all seven of their Süper Lig matches so far, most recently edging Alanyaspor 1-0 away on Friday night, with Mauro Icardi scoring the decisive goal. The result leaves them six points clear of Fenerbahçe at the top of the table.
They will look to channel that momentum in Europe, spurred on by their passionate home support. Their recent record against English clubs reads four wins in 12 home games though they did beat Tottenham 3-2 last November and held Manchester United to a 3-3 draw the year before.
Liverpool:
For Liverpool, the challenge is to bounce back from their first domestic setback of the season. Arne Slot’s side saw their perfect Premier League start halted on Saturday with a 2-1 defeat away to Crystal Palace. Federico Chiesa equalised late on, but the hosts snatched a dramatic winner at the death.
Before that, the Reds had enjoyed five straight league wins, keeping them top of the table though their lead has now been cut to just two points. A response in Europe is needed as they head to a notoriously difficult venue.
Injuries and Suspensions
Galatasaray
Manager Okan Buruk has a near fully-fit squad. Victor Osimhen made his comeback in the weekend win over Alanyaspor and is expected to start, having recovered from the ankle problem picked up on international duty.
Liverpool
Giovanni Leoni remains the only senior absentee after suffering a recent ACL injury. Jayden Daans picked up a knock in U21 action at the weekend and is also unavailable.
Head coach Arne Slot confirmed that Federico Chiesa has not travelled due to a minor injury, meaning rotation could be on the cards as Liverpool prepare for a busy October schedule.
Predicted Lineups
Galatasaray (4-2-3-1):
Çakir; Sallai, Singo, Sánchez, Elmali; Torreira, Lemina; Sané, Gündo?an, Akgün; Osimhen.
Liverpool (4-2-3-1):
Alisson; Bradley, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitiké.
What the Managers Have Said
Okan Buruk (Galatasaray):
“We’ll give it our all and try to put the opponent in a difficult situation.”
Arne Slot (Liverpool):
“They have seven wins [from seven], only conceded two and scored a lot of goals. They know what it takes to win the league and a game, so we have to be prepared.”
Liverpool have a tough task ahead, but this is exactly the kind of night they thrive on: a packed stadium, European lights, and everything on the line. Can they finally break their Istanbul hoodoo we will have to wait and see.
