Galatasaray vs Liverpool Predictions

• Liverpool conceded twice on Saturday, the fifth time that has happened this season
• The Reds conceded 2.4 xG in their loss at Crystal Palace
• Galatasaray have boosted a forward line which scored 15 goals in five home games in Europe last season
• Akgun has scored in three straight games for the hosts, including their Champions League opener

Liverpool face a hostile reception

Liverpool’s breeze through the early stages of last season’s Champions League was aided by their kind away trips in the League Phase. They visited AC Milan and Girona – two sides who finished midtable domestically – along with an RB Leipzig side who failed to crack the top 24.

The atmosphere they’ll walk into on Tuesday means this clash is a very different test. While a return to Istanbul will bring back good memories for the Reds, there will be a hostile atmosphere as Galatasaray look to make their mark in Europe.

The Turkish champions are hoping to take the next step in the Champions League, having paired Victor Osimhen with Leroy Sane in attack this summer. Mauro Icardi remains part of an impressive forward line, which should pose problems for a Liverpool side who appear vulnerable at the back.

Reds’ defence is vulnerable

Liverpool suffered a 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace on Saturday, which was the fifth time that they’ve conceded twice this season. Their Premier League success last season was built on their ability to shut games down, but they’ve struggled to replicate that with this season’s top-heavy squad.

Palace recorded 2.4 Expected Goals in their win at the weekend, so chances should fall Galatasaray’s way. The Turkish champions were handed a boost at the weekend, with the news that Victor Osimhen is expected to feature after returning to the side for a cameo on Friday night.

Hosts’ forward line to deliver

Galatasaray lost 5-1 in their Champions League opener, but they took the lead at Frankfurt and held their own over the course of the game. They lost the xG battle 1.2 to 1.1, so they should trouble Liverpool with home advantage.

In last season’s Europa League, Galatasaray scored twice or more in seven of their 10 games. They scored 15 times in five home matches, including a 3-2 victory over eventual winners Tottenham.

The hosts’ forward line should also be boosted by the return of Yunus Akgun, who sat out their weekend win. He’s scored in three straight games for Galatasaray, including their Champions League opener. With Liverpool leaving gaps at the back, the in-form man appeals at 5/1 to score on Tuesday night.