Liverpool is hoping to bounce back to Crystal Palace from Saturday’s defeat, but a Champions League trip to Istanbul, facing Galatasaray, may not have been their first choice for their next fixture. The Reds are in Turkey looking for their second European victory this season, following their last-minute victory over Atletico Madrid in the opening night. Head coach Arne Slot has many choice dilemmas to ponder before a match.
Will Hugo Ekitike come back straight for Alexander Isak? Can Conor Bradley both Jeremy Fripon and Dominique Soboschlei compete for that position and hold his place on the right back? Liverpool Echo reporter chose the lineup for the following matches…
Ian Doyle
The Champions League is the world’s best club competition. But at this point in the season, it’s not even Liverpool’s second most important game this week.
So, what should Reds boss Aan Slot do against Galatasarei in Istanbul tonight?
Changes have been made, and it’s only natural. However, the goalkeeper remains Alison Becker.
While it was fascinating to lead Joe Gomez into the centre-back position, Ibrahima Conate continues with Virgil van Dik’s big captail, as his previous struggle against Victor Osimhen puts it a risk that is not worth taking. Connor Bradley will need to hold the right backspot and Andy Robertson will return with left back.
In the middle, the Alexis Mac Allister is not yet fully fitted, so it can be replaced by Dominik Szoboszlai, who will join Ryan Gravenberch at the foot of the midfield. Florian Wirtz is number 10.
On the front, Hugo Ekitique returned to the left and Cody Gakupo returned as the main striker with him returning to the left.
My Team (4-2-3-1): Allison; Bradley, Conate, Van Dyke, Robertson. Greygunbellch, szoboszlai; Salah, Wartz, Gappo. Ekitike.
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Paul Ghost
Tonight’s fullback selection by Arne Slot will be interesting. I think Connor Bradley will keep his spot and Milos Kerkez gives way to Andy Robertson, and he might hold it from Saturday’s defeat at Crystal Palace and replace it.
In the middle, I think slots might keep Dominic Schbossly on the team and move Alexis Mac Alistair to the bench of alternatives, leading the space for Florian Wiltz to a more advanced role. Cody Gakpo goes back up to the left side again.
Hugo Ekitike could start on behalf of Alexander Isaac, and Swedish International is still working on fitness. We weren’t planning on playing at Crystal Palace for almost 90 minutes.
My Team (4-2-3-1): Allison; Bradley, Conate, Van Dyke, Robertson. Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Salah, Waatz, Gappo. Ekitike.
Theo Squire
Liverpool is keen to recover quickly against Galatasaray after a last-minute loss to Crystal Palace, and can certainly benefit from at least a stronger defensive performance.
The Reds have been struggling defensively this season, so they’re picking the familiar lineup. Connor Bradley held his position at right back despite being replaced at halftime against the Eagles, with Andy Robertson coming back at left back.
Meanwhile, Joe Gomez is set up to partner Virgil van Dyke in the centre-back role, replacing the underperforming Ibrahima Conate.
Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez are still acclimated after the summer transfer, so let’s see how the back 4, who have more experience, plays instead.
In the middle, Dominik Szoboszlai ranks eighth on top of Ryan Gravenberch. The Alexis Mac Allister is not fully fit after his long summer break, but is relegated to the bench.
Florian Wirtz was given the free rein at No. 10, and Cody Gakpo returned to the left, but he wanted to start Federico Chiesa if he was included in the travel team. And Hugo Ekitike returned to attack after providing one game of suspension. As Liverpool continues to care for Swedes, Alexander Isaac is back on the bench after 84 minutes of playing with Palace.
My Team (4-2-3-1): Allison; Bradley, Gomez, Van Dyke, Robertson. Greygunbellch, szoboszlai; Salah, Wartz, Gappo. Ekitike.
Mark Jones
As you leave Lime Street, two towering images of Conate greet you, accompanied by the word “problem.” This is a fitting tribute to a Liverpool defender who spent a rather eventful day at Crystal Palace.
Some situations are merely ripe for humor.
Despite these challenges, I think Arne Slot will protect his trust in the Frenchman in Istanbul. He is a fan of Comeback Story and Konate is currently wearing a shirt. Especially because Joe Gomez wasn’t totally impressed with Southampton last week.
Keep the centreback unchanged, but switch things up with the fullback. Andy Robertson replicates his role in the Champions League opener against Atletico Madrid, bringing Dominique Scizoboschlei back to the right back and expects the Reds to take control of ownership.
In the middle, we gave Alexis Mac Allister a break and took Curtis Jones to the starting lineup alongside Ryan Gravenberch. He then brought the Mac Allister out of the bench to replace Florian Wirtz, and Jeremie Frimpong provided Mo Salah’s attack support.
Sarah was a clear starter, with Cody Gakupo and Hugo Ekitique rejoining the first XI, affecting Alexander Isaac in the final 30 minutes.
My Team (4-2-3-1): Allison; Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Greignbellch, Jones; Salah, Wurtz, Gappo. Ekitike.
