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Liverpool is eager to return to the pitch following Saturday's disappointing Premier League loss to Crystal Palace, but a journey to Istanbul to face Galatasaray probably wasn't the team's first choice for the next game.
The Reds are in Turkey, aiming for back-to-back victories in this season's Champions League after their last-minute triumph over Atletico Madrid on opening night. Arne Slot has numerous selection dilemmas to ponder before the game.
Hugo Ekitike is among those available for selection after missing the Palace clash due to suspension. So, what will his decision be? We have offered some friendly advice ahead of the match.
Ian Doyle
The Champions League. The world's premier club competition. Yet, at this point in the season, it's not even Liverpool's second most important game of the week. So, what should Reds manager Arne Slot do against Galatasaray?
There will be changes. And rightly so. Not in goal, though. That's Alisson Becker's domain. It was tempting to bring Joe Gomez into center-back, but his previous struggle against Victor Osimhen makes that a risk Liverpool can't afford to take again, so Ibrahima Konate stays alongside captain Virgil van Dijk. I'd keep Conor Bradley as right-back, but Andy Robertson should step in as left-back.
In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister isn't quite up to scratch yet, so he can sit this one out in favor of Dominik Szoboszlai, who can join Ryan Gravenberch at the base of the midfield. Florian Wirtz is the number 10. Up front, Ekitike is back as the main striker with Cody Gakpo returning on the left and Mohamed Salah holding his position on the right.
My team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike
Paul Gorst
It's going to be intriguing to see how Slot manages the full-back positions. I suspect he might retain one and swap out one from Saturday's loss at Crystal Palace, with Bradley keeping his spot and Kerkez making way for Robertson.
In the midfield, I reckon Slot might keep Szoboszlai in the squad and shift Mac Allister to the substitutes' bench to make room for Wirtz in a more advanced role. Gakpo returns on the left flank once again up top. Ekitike can take over from Alexander Isak, with the Swedish international still working on his fitness. It wasn't the plan to play nearly the full 90 minutes at Crystal Palace.
My team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike
Theo Squires
The Reds will be aiming for a swift recovery against Galatasaray, and they could certainly benefit from a stronger defensive performance at the very least. Liverpool's defense hasn't been at its peak this season, so I'm leaning toward a familiar line-up. Bradley retains his position as right-back, despite being substituted at half-time in the match against the Eagles, while Robertson makes a comeback as left-back.
Gomez could step in as center-back to join forces with Van Dijk, replacing the struggling Ibrahima Konate. Frimpong and Kerkez are still acclimatising after their summer transfers, so it would be interesting to see how a back four with more shared experience performs. In midfield, Szoboszlai takes the number eight spot alongside Gravenberch. Mac Allister, still not fully fit after his extended summer break, is relegated to the bench.
Wirtz is given free rein at No. 10, with Gakpo making a return on the left - although I might have considered starting Federico Chiesa if he had been part of the travelling squad. Ekitike is back in the attack after serving his one-match suspension, with Isak returning to the bench after playing 84 minutes against Palace as Liverpool continues to handle the Swede cautiously.
My team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Bradley, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike
Mark Jones
As you step out of Lime Street, you're greeted by two towering images of Konate, with the phrase "be the problem" boldly displayed next to the Liverpool defender, who had a noteworthy afternoon at Crystal Palace. Some situations are indeed self-explanatory.
Despite these challenges, I suspect Slot will continue to back the Frenchman in Istanbul. He's fond of a comeback tale, and currently, Konate is the one wearing the shirt, especially as Gomez didn't entirely impress against Southampton last week.
While I'd keep the center-backs unchanged, I'd bring in some fresh legs at full-back, with Robertson starting just like he did in the Champions League opener against Atletico Madrid. I'd also have Szoboszlai revert to right-back, anticipating that the Reds will dominate possession.
In the midfield, I'd give Mac Allister a breather, allowing Curtis Jones to start alongside Ryan Gravenberch. Mac Allister would then be an option off the bench, potentially replacing Wirtz, while Frimpong provides attacking support for Salah. Salah is a definite starter, and I'd bring Gakpo and Ekitike back into the starting XI, giving Isak the final 30 minutes.
My team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike
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