Liverpool Set to Unleash Ekitike and Gakpo in High-Stakes Istanbul Showdown Against Galatasaray
Liverpool's resilience faces a significant challenge in Istanbul this Tuesday evening, following Crystal Palace's delivery of their inaugural loss of the campaign over the weekend.
The reigning Premier League titleholders had consistently discovered solutions at the beginning of 2025–26, and when Federico Chiesa netted a crucial late leveler at Selhurst Park, Arne Slot's squad appeared positioned for another thrilling comeback.
However, this occasion saw the Reds experience their own tactics turned against them, as Eddie Nketiah, formerly of championship contenders Arsenal, powered home the decisive goal well into added time.
Consequently, Liverpool's second European Cup fixture of the campaign comes following a devastating loss, and Slot faces several intriguing decisions regarding his squad selection for the midweek encounter.
Here's how Liverpool might take the field.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Galatasaray (4-2-3-1)
GK: Alisson—Alisson bore no responsibility for Liverpool's first setback of 2025–26, and he could prove crucial in helping them bounce back to victorious form in this match.
RB: Conor Bradley—The Northern Ireland international has thus far exceeded expectations compared to summer acquisition Jeremie Frimpong, though both have battled fitness issues. Bradley should maintain his starting position.
CB: Ibrahima Konaté—Konaté appeared to have found his footing after an underwhelming campaign start, but he looked completely out of sorts in south London recently. Nevertheless, Slot won't likely drop him from the lineup.
CB: Virgil van Dijk—The standout performer from the opening match. Van Dijk's header secured Liverpool a well-earned triumph over Atlético Madrid a fortnight ago, and he'll battle against one of Europe's premier strikers in Victor Osimhen this Tuesday.
LB: Andy Robertson—The intense atmosphere at RAMS Park isn't suitable for Milos Kerkez at this moment, so Slot will probably choose the more experienced Robertson.
CM: Ryan Gravenberch—A vital component of Liverpool's midfield setup, Gravenberch will compete against several tenacious midfielders in Galatasaray's central area.
CM: Dominik Szoboszlai—The Hungarian midfielder has contributed across multiple areas at the start of 2025–26, and Slot might deploy him in a more withdrawn midfield position on Tuesday.
AM: Florian Wirtz—Some questions may surround Wirtz's adaptation to Merseyside life, but several of his displays have warranted greater recognition. Following his wide deployment at the weekend, Slot will probably restore the German to his favored playmaker position.
RW: Mohamed Salah—Salah's finest moments this season occurred during the opening phases against Atléti. He's been underwhelming otherwise, and that trend continued on Saturday. Liverpool needs improved output from their reliable Egyptian star.
ST: Hugo Ekitiké—Alexander Isak approaches full fitness, but Slot remains content alternating between his two premier strikers. Ekitiké has impressed considerably and returns to contention after completing his one-match suspension on Saturday.
LW: Cody Gakpo—An attacking reorganization is expected, with Gakpo set to return to the starting eleven after being relegated to substitute duties at Selhurst Park. The Dutch winger has shown mixed form recently.
