Liverpool vs Galatasaray Champions League Preview
Liverpool must stage a comeback to stay in the Champions League race when they host Galatasaray at Anfield on Wednesday. Arne Slot’s team trails 1-0 after a lackluster first leg, decided by Mario Lemina’s first-half header. That marks Galatasaray’s second 1-0 win over Liverpool this season at Rams Park, including a league-phase victory. Now, the Turkish champions face a stern test on Merseyside amid the Anfield crowd.
Liverpool drew 1-1 with relegation-battling Tottenham over the weekend and needs to sharpen up for European survival. Galatasaray extended its winning streak with a 3-0 defeat of Istanbul Basaksehir on Saturday, where Victor Osimhen scored.
Match Details and How to Watch
The clash kicks off at 8pm GMT on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Anfield.
In the UK, TNT Sports 1 broadcasts the game live from 7pm GMT. Subscribers access the stream via the Discovery+ app and website.
Team News and Injuries
Injuries continue to plague Liverpool this season, with four key players sidelined long-term. Alexander Isak nears return from a broken leg but remains out until at least next month. Wataru Endo, Conor Bradley, and Giovanni Leoni miss the rest of the campaign.
Hugo Ekitike and Mohamed Salah began on the bench against Tottenham, signaling Slot’s readiness to start them. Ibrahima Konate and Milos Kerkez, rested recently, return to contention.
Galatasaray boasts a lighter injury list, with only reserve goalkeeper Enes Buyuk absent—he rarely features anyway. Davinson Sanchez sits out due to suspension from a late booking on Ekitike in the first leg.
Head-to-Head Record
Galatasaray’s two slim victories this season challenge Slot, as Liverpool struggles to penetrate their defense. With one goal forcing extra time or two securing progress, Liverpool addresses this urgently.
Strikers Victor Osimhen or Hugo Ekitike could prove decisive. Backed by Anfield, Liverpool likely forces extra time, but Galatasaray’s fresher legs may clinch an upset.
No Liverpool-Galatasaray encounter has exceeded a one-goal margin: Liverpool 1 win, Galatasaray 3 wins, 2 draws.
Prediction
Expect a 1-1 draw after extra time, with Galatasaray advancing 2-1 on aggregate.
Betting Odds
Liverpool to win: 1/4
Draw: 4/1
Galatasaray to win: 15/2
(Odds via Betfair, subject to change)
