Liverpool Faces Crucial Champions League Showdown
Liverpool must stage a comeback to stay in the Champions League race when they welcome Galatasaray to Anfield on Wednesday. The Turkish side leads 1-0 from the first leg, decided by Mario Lemina’s first-half header. This marks Galatasaray’s second 1-0 victory over Liverpool this season, following their league-phase win at Rams Park.
Galatasaray now travels to Merseyside to face the intense Anfield atmosphere. Liverpool drew 1-1 with struggling Tottenham over the weekend and needs to sharpen up for European survival. In contrast, Galatasaray extended their winning streak with a 3-0 defeat of Istanbul Basaksehir on Saturday, where Victor Osimhen scored.
Match Details and Broadcast Info
The clash kicks off at 8pm GMT on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Anfield. UK viewers can watch live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage from 7pm GMT. TNT Sports subscribers access a live 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 recovery 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 started on the bench against Tottenham, signaling their likely starts here. Ibrahima Konate and Milos Kerkez, rested at the weekend, return to the lineup.
Galatasaray boasts a lighter injury list, with only reserve goalkeeper Enes Buyuk sidelined—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 tight wins this season challenge Liverpool’s preparations. Liverpool struggles to penetrate their defense, a key issue when they need at least one goal for extra time or two to advance.
Historically, no Liverpool-Galatasaray encounter exceeds a one-goal margin: Liverpool 1 win, Galatasaray 3 wins, 2 draws.
Prediction and Odds
Anfield’s crowd should push Liverpool to force extra time, but Galatasaray’s fresher legs might secure an upset. Expect a 1-1 draw after extra time, with Galatasaray advancing 2-1 on aggregate.
Current Betfair odds: Liverpool to win at 1/4, draw at 4/1, Galatasaray at 15/2 (subject to change).
