Galatasaray vs Liverpool Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | UEFA Champions League 2025-26

The Reds appear in great form for this UCL encounter.

Galatasaray will host Liverpool at RAMS Park on Tuesday, September 30 (UTC), in a UEFA Champions League clash that could prove important for both teams.

The Turkish champions arrive full of confidence with their domestic form, where six wins from six have established them at the top of the Süper Lig. Their return of 18 goals scored with only two conceded shows their dominance at home.

Yet their European start looked far less convincing, as a heavy defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt exposed familiar struggles. Even so, Mauro Icardi’s presence remains crucial, while İlkay Gündoğan and Leroy Sané add valuable experience, and Barış Yilmaz has provided spark in the final third.

Liverpool, in contrast, enter in fine rhythm with five straight league wins and Champions League victory over Atlético Madrid. Under Arne Slot, they mix solidity with sharp attacking play. Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Ibrahima Konaté form the core, while Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitiké compete directly for a starting spot in attack.

A disappointing afternoon, but thank you for your support in the capital today Reds 👏Onto Tuesday's Champions League clash ⏭️ pic.twitter.com/aolky0V8ZA

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 27, 2025

Kick-off:

• Location: Istanbul, Turkey
• Stadium: Rams Park
• Date: Wednesday, October 1
• Kick-off Time: 12:30 a.m. IST
• Referee: Clément Turpin
• VAR: In use

Form:

Galatasaray (In UCL 2025/26): L

Liverpool (In UCL 2025/26): W

Players to watch out for:

Bariş Alper Yilmaz (Galatasaray):

Bariş Alper Yilmaz continues to shine in the Turkish Super Lig, showing sharp finishing and creative play that helps his teammates. His recent form adds spark and consistency. As Galatasaray prepare to face the Reds, he looks ready to make a decisive impact in the important moments.

Yilmaz has scored three goals and provided three assists in six matches so far in all competitions in 2025/26.

Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool):

Dominik Szoboszlai has begun the new season strongly, and his free-kick winner against Arsenal showed his precision. Moreover, his vision in midfield keeps attacks moving, while his long-range shooting creates constant danger. Consequently, Galatasaray must stay alert, as his creativity and goals can quickly change a match.

He has scored one goal and provided two assists in eight games in all competitions so far in 2025/26.

A tireless performance 😤Dominik Szoboszlai is your @carlsberg Player of the Match 👏 #Ad pic.twitter.com/KdoxLhSkJQ

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 25, 2025

Match Facts:

• Galatasaray have a strong home record against English teams in UEFA competitions, losing only one of their last eight matches (W4 D3).
• Liverpool’s away form in Turkey is less impressive, with just one win in six UEFA matches against Turkish teams (D1 L4).
• Liverpool enter the match in excellent form, having won 13 of their last 14 Champions League group stage/league phase games.

Galatasaray vs Liverpool Betting Tips and Odds:

• Liverpool win: 8/13 as per Bet365
• Both teams to score: 1/2 as per Bet 365
• Liverpool to win and both teams to score: 7/4 as per Bet365.

NOTE: Odds are subject to constant changes

Injuries and Team News:

For the Turkish side, Kazımcan Karataş and Gökdeniz Gürpüz are ineligible, reducing bench options. Moreover, Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has returned from an ankle issue. He is still not fully fit, yet he looks set to feature in the contest.

Liverpool face problems too, as Stefan Bajcetic recovers from a hamstring injury, and Giovanni Leoni remains sidelined with an ACL injury.

Head-To-Head Stats:

Total matches: 4

Galatasaray won: 1

Liverpool won: 1

Draws: 2

Predicted Starting Lineups:

Galatasaray Predicted Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Uğurcan Çakır; Wilfried Singo, Davinson Sánchez, Abdülkerim Bardakcı, Eren Elmalı; Lucas Torreira, İlkay Gündoğan; Barış Alper Yılmaz, Mauro Icardi, Leroy Sané; Roland Sallai

Liverpool Predicted Starting Lineup (4-3-3):

Alisson Becker; Jeremie Frimpong, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson; Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endō, Alexis Mac Allister; Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike, Cody Gakpo

Match Prediction:

Liverpool, in excellent form with five consecutive wins, are the clear favourite. Galatasaray suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat in their opening UCL match, and Liverpool’s strong recent record in the Champions League (13 wins in their last 18 fixtures) points toward an away victory.

Prediction: Galatasaray 1-3 Liverpool

Telecast Details

India: SonyLIV, Sony Sports Network

UK: TNT Sports, BBC

US: Paramount+, TUDN

Nigeria: DAZN

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