Hugo Ekitike returns in three changes – Liverpool predicted XI vs Galatasaray
Liverpool return to European action on Tuesday as they take on Galatasaray in the Champions League.
The Reds’ perfect start to the season ended after Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, as Eddie Nketiah scored in the 97th minute after Federico Chiesa scored a controversial equaliser.
Arne Slot is now turning his attention back to Europe, with a trip to Galatasaray seen as an opportunity to bounce back quickly before a daunting trip to Chelsea at the weekend.
Changes are expected to be made, with the Reds playing extremely poorly in South London, as Alisson was able to keep Palace out on many occasions to keep Liverpool in the game.
Hugo Ekitike returns from suspension to lead Liverpool frontline
Alexander Isak made his first Premier League start for Liverpool at Palace, with Hugo Ekitike sidelined through suspension.
Ekitike was stupidly sent off against Southampton in the Carabao Cup for taking his shirt off while on a booking, and missed the defeat at Selhurst Park as a result.
However, the Frenchman is expected to return to the starting lineup for the trip to Turkey, with Isak to be named as a substitute as he continues to build his fitness after missing pre-season.
Cody Gakpo is also likely to return, after he came on as a substitute against the Eagles, with Florian Wirtz to feature in his favoured attacking midfielder role.
Dominik Szoboszlai could start at right-back again
Dominik Szoboszlai has been used in a myriad of roles this season, with right-back being the most surprising of the lot.
The Hungarian has had an incredible season so far, notching up three goal involvements, as well as winning 3.63 duels and making six recoveries per game, as per Sofascore.
Szoboszlai started in attacking midfield at Palace, but was moved to right-back at half-time as Conor Bradley was hooked off for Gakpo by Slot.
Bradley was extremely poor, as he has been all season, while Jeremie Frimpong also failed to impress when he came on in the final stages.
The Hungarian, meanwhile, brought an element of control to the back-line during his brief spell there, and Slot may be wondering whether to keep the former RB Leipzig man in defence going forward.
He will join Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Milos Kerkez at the back again.
Liverpool must put the defeat at Crystal Palace behind them and make sure they leave Turkey with all three points in the Champions League.
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