Liverpool team news for Galatasaray: Decisions on Florian Wirtz and Rio Ngumoha confirmed

 

 

Liverpool return to Istanbul for another Champions League encounter against Galatasaray on Tuesday evening, following recent back-to-back visits to Wolverhampton Wanderers. Istanbul holds iconic memories for the club in Europe’s premier competition, but their earlier trip this season ended in a disappointing 1-0 defeat during the league phase.

Now in the round of 16, manager Arne Slot aims for a stronger showing against the Turkish side, who convincingly eliminated Juventus in the playoff round with a dominant second-half display.

The question is how Slot should approach this crucial away leg. Liverpool writers have shared their preferred starting lineups for the match.

The historic link between the Champions League and Istanbul has been kind to Liverpool in the past, but this time it’s a different challenge facing Galatasaray on their own turf. Slot’s priority should be fielding his strongest possible side—close to the first-choice XI.

With Alisson Becker sidelined due to a late injury concern from training, Giorgi Mamardashvili takes over in goal. Jeremie Frimpong slots in at right-back, Milos Kerkez starts at left-back, and Ibrahima Konate joins captain Virgil van Dijk in central defense.

In midfield, Ryan Gravenberch pairs with Alexis Mac Allister in the deeper roles, while Dominik Szoboszlai returns to the No. 10 position. Up front, Hugo Ekitike leads the attack, supported by Mohamed Salah on the right and Florian Wirtz on the left.

My lineup (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Ekitike.

Alisson’s absence puts Mamardashvili in the spotlight for his biggest game yet for Liverpool. The Georgian goalkeeper is viewed as the long-term successor, so this is a valuable early test under pressure.

The right-back spot remains tricky. Slot mentioned in his Monday press conference that Szoboszlai could feature there, but there’s no justification for shifting a top-performing midfielder when Joe Gomez and Frimpong are available.

I’d opt for Gomez at right-back for added defensive solidity, saving Frimpong’s speed as an impact sub. Kerkez comes in for Andy Robertson, despite the latter’s strong performance at Wolves.

Szoboszlai starts in midfield alongside Gravenberch and Mac Allister. Wirtz returns on the left wing ahead of Cody Gakpo, who can provide a useful option from the bench given limited attacking depth. Ekitike starts up top, with Salah on the right.

My lineup (4-3-3): Mamardashvili; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister; Salah, Ekitike, Wirtz.

Galatasaray surged past Juventus in their playoff with three second-half goals and a red card to the visitors, highlighting their threat at home. For Liverpool, maintaining control—of possession and discipline—will be essential.

I’m open to Szoboszlai at right-back to boost ball-playing options and help overload midfield when advancing. Mamardashvili starts in goal, Konate returns alongside Van Dijk at center-back, and while Kerkez has impressed recently, I’d retain Robertson after his Wolves showing.

Midfield features Gravenberch, Mac Allister, and Curtis Jones. The attack includes Salah, Ekitike, and Wirtz (on the left, preferred over Gakpo or Rio Ngumoha, who could feature as a sub).

My lineup (4-3-3): Mamardashvili; Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Jones; Salah, Ekitike, Wirtz.