Galatasaray - Liverpool: The Trap at RAMS Park

In their opening match at Anfield, Liverpool secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid. Salah scored a quick double within the first 6 minutes, but Llorente pulled one back for Atletico before halftime and equalized at the 81st minute. In stoppage time at 90+2, Van Dijk’s decisive header clinched the win for the Reds.

After a streak of 7 consecutive wins, Liverpool suffered a bitter 1-2 defeat at Crystal Palace, marking their first loss in this Premier League season. During that game, The Kop exposed many weaknesses.

It is clear that Liverpool is facing defensive problems. Statistics show that since the start of the season, the reigning Premier League champions have kept only 2 clean sheets and often conceded 2 goals per match.

Following the defeat to Crystal Palace, coach Arne Slot admitted that the biggest issue currently is defending set pieces, as The Reds have repeatedly conceded goals from such situations.

Liverpool is making their supporters uneasy due to their defensive vulnerabilities. Facing a high-performing Galatasaray, who are very strong at home, Liverpool must remain extremely vigilant.

Notably, despite achieving decent results this season, Liverpool often struggles to find the net in their wins. Given their recent performances, it won’t be easy for the Merseyside team to defeat Galatasaray on their home turf.

Liverpool will surely aim to boost morale after the disappointing loss to Crystal Palace in the Premier League. Their away record in European competitions is impressive, with only one draw in their last 39 away matches and 25 victories.

Liverpool must be wary of Galatasaray even though the Turkish side started their Champions League group stage with a heavy 1-5 loss to Frankfurt. That defeat remains Galatasaray’s only loss this season.

The Turkish team has won 7 of their last 8 matches. At home, Okan Buruk’s squad is unbeaten in 10 consecutive games, including 9 wins.

This impressive run has helped them build a 6-point lead over rivals Fenerbahce in the Super Lig. Particularly, Galatasaray has won all 3 home games this season, scoring 9 goals and conceding only 2. If striker Osimhen performs at his best, he will pose a huge challenge to Liverpool’s defense.

The match between Galatasaray and Liverpool will take place at 2 AM on October 1st.

After this tough away match against Galatasaray in the Champions League, Liverpool will face Chelsea and Manchester United consecutively in the Premier League. These matches will be crucial for coach Arne Slot’s ambitions this season.

Expected lineups for both teams

Galatasaray: Cakir, Sallai, Singo, Sanchez, Elmali; Torreira, Lemina, Sane, Gundogan, Akgun, Osimhen

Liverpool: Alisson, Frimpong, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson, Gravenberch, Jones, Gakpo, Wirtz, Salah, Ekitike