The Reds are back to full strength just in time for their high-stakes Champions League knockout clash. Liverpool’s starting XI sees a massive triple boost with the return of Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike to lead the line, while Ibrahima Konate resumes his place in the heart of the defense after shaking off a recent injury.
Liverpool are back on home soil to take on Galatasaray in a Champions League second-leg clash that feels very must-win for the Reds.
The ice is thinning for Arne Slot. With rumors of an imminent exit swirling through the media, tonight’s result feels less like a game and more like a referendum on his future. However, the “doomsday” crowd might be silenced yet; a vintage European performance under the lights could be exactly what the Reds need to save their Champions League campaign and stabilize Slot’s tenure.
Here is the confirmed team news ahead of tonight.
Big nights for Salah & Ekitike
In the build-up to this crunch clash on Merseyside, former Reds striker Peter Crouch was not convinced by the form of both Salah and Ekitike, with only one goal put away between them across their last three outings.
Despite this poor combined form, both the Egyptian and the Frenchman are reinstated to the starting XI for tonight’s showdown with Oran Buruk’s visitors, after initially sitting out the 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.
If Liverpool is to gain a much-needed win, they’ll need this pairing at their electric best, with another off-performance from the duo only adding to the intense scrutiny.
Konate returns to the starting XI
Alongside Salah and Ekitike being shoved back into the first team picture, Konate is also welcomed back in, after injury troubles.
With Joe Gomez not fit enough to play against Gala, this is a return that is reassuring for Slot, with the 26-year-old no doubt keen to pick up a clean sheet, after missing so much action.
His last clean sheet came all the way back in February when Liverpool dramatically snatched all three points versus Nottingham Forest, with a repeat of that performance tonight – plus some more attacking bite – potentially enough to get the better of the stern visitors.
Kerkez is also back in
Milos Kerkez is also back in from the start in Slot’s reshuffled defence, with Andy Robertson, who spoke defiantly pre-match, dropping to the substitutes bench.
Kerkez has impressed in Europe’s premier competition this season, with a brave seven duels won against Marseille in January.
He will be hoping for a similarly energetic outing against Buruk’s men, as he attempts to solidify his spot as Slot’s number one starting left-back.
Szoboszlai back in midfield
Lastly, another change-up from the Dutchman has come in the form of Dominik Szoboszlai moving further up the field, to a number ten spot.
This could be an ingenious move, as the Hungarian is well-known to have a moment of unbelievable magic up his sleeve, with his free-kick against Spurs the major highlight from the 1-1 draw.
He could be key in supplying Salah and Ekitike plenty of chances, too, with Liverpool praying that another famous Champions League night occurs at Anfield, instead of an early exit that sees more boos ring out.
