Galatasaray vs Liverpool predictions and betting tips – Reds return to Istanbul

Liverpool had one of their greatest ever nights in Istanbul back in 2005, but they lost away to Galatasaray in the league phase of the Champions League. Now they return to Turkey’s biggest city in the round of 16.

Will Arne Slot’s side come out on top at RAMS Park, or will the home crowd roar Galatasaray on to victory?

• Liverpool to win and under 4.5 goals – 5/4 with Betfred
• Draw at half-time – 13/10 with BoyleSports
• Dominik Szoboszlai to score or assist – 11/8 with SBK

Galatasaray vs Liverpool odds

Find the latest Galatasaray vs Liverpool betting odds here. All odds are provided by our recommended football bookmakers and are subject to change.

Galatasaray vs Liverpool predictions

Despite beginning this season as favourites to win the Premier League title, Liverpool are in danger of missing out even on a top-five finish.

The Reds are fighting with Manchester United, Aston Villa and Chelsea for only three Champions League qualification spots behind Arsenal and Manchester City.

The race could go down to the wire, with all four contenders separated by just three points with nine rounds of fixtures remaining.

As well as fighting to earn a place in next season’s edition of Europe’s premier tournament, Liverpool are targeting Champions League glory this term.

Arne Slot’s side might not be among the outright favourites to lift the trophy, but there are nevertheless reasons for Liverpool to be hopeful.

For one, their Champions League form held up pretty well even when Liverpool were struggling for results domestically towards the end of 2025.

Only Arsenal and Bayern Munich finished above them in the league phase standings, with Slot’s team taking 18 points from a possible 24.

Liverpool have also become tougher to beat over the last few months. Only three of their last 23 matches in all competitions have ended in defeat.

That does not mean Liverpool have been perfect over that period; far from it. There are issues at both ends of the pitch that Slot has not yet been able to fully solve.

But Liverpool is a club which has a history of rising to the occasion in Europe. They have not been anywhere near consistent enough to challenge for the Premier League title, but in a one-off game Liverpool are a match for anyone.

They have, however, already lost to Galatasaray this season, going down to a 1-0 defeat in Istanbul in the league phase. Liverpool thus cannot take anything for granted ahead of this last-16 tie.

“We know in the away leg we will have to perform better than the last time we were in Istanbul back in September,” Slot said after the draw. “That is our immediate challenge in this tie, especially as we know Galatasaray had such a positive result against Juventus to reach the last 16.

“But the main feeling is excitement because this is what we worked so hard for in the league stage. We wanted to be here and now we want to make the most of being here.”

Galatasaray vs Liverpool betting tips

Galatasaray welcome Liverpool to RAMS Park for the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.

Reds eye first-leg led

Galatasaray were impressive in their home leg against Juventus in the knockout phase play-offs, winning 5-2 to take a giant step towards the last 16.

The Turkish giants almost threw it all away in the return fixture, but a 3-2 loss after extra time secured their place in the next round.

Galatasaray are certainly capable of giving Liverpool plenty to think about, but this game is unlikely to be as high-scoring as the Juventus match.

There was only one goal when these two teams last met, for instance, while just one of Liverpool’s last seven fixtures has featured five strikes or more.

If the Reds dig in and deliver a disciplined display on Tuesday, they can beat Galatasaray.

Go for Liverpool to win and under 4.5 goals at 5/4 with Betfred

Even opening period

Turkish fans are renowned for their passionate support and Liverpool will have to deal with a hostile environment at RAMS Park.

It is vital that the Reds do not get swept up by the atmosphere in Istanbul. They must ensure they stick to the game plan and do not play emotionally.

That is easier said than done, but if Liverpool can quieten down the crowd in the opening 20 minutes or so, they will have a greater chance of victory.

Slot, you feel, would be delighted to see his team get to half-time with the score level.

Back a draw at half-time at 13/10 with BoyleSports

Szoboszlai to have say

Dominik Szoboszlai has been Liverpool’s standout performer this season.

While other players have underperformed relative to their ability and expectations, Szoboszlai has been a rare bright spot.

The Hungary international has contributed in a number of different roles, but we will probably see him used as part of Liverpool’s front four on Tuesday.

Szoboszlai has had a direct hand in eight goals in the Champions League this season, so he will be an integral part of Liverpool’s attacking efforts here.

Select Dominik Szoboszlai to score or assist at 11/8 with SBK

Galatasaray vs Liverpool predicted lineups

• Galatasaray expected lineup: Cakir; Boey, Sanchez, Bardakci, Jakobs; Ayhan, Lemina; Sane, Sara, Yilmaz; Osimhen.
• Liverpool expected lineup: Alisson; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Gravenbech; Salah, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Ekitike.

Where to watch Galatasaray vs Liverpool

• Location: RAMS Park, Istanbul, Turkey.
• Date and time: Tuesday 10th March, 5.45pm.
• How to watch: TNT Sports 1.

More Champions League predictions

We have plenty more Champions League predictions and picks – find our latest betting tips from expert punters in our match preview overview.

About the author

Greg Lea

Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.

Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball

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