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Galatasaray vs Liverpool prediction, best bets, odds & line-ups: Ekitike can open up Gala
Champions League betting tips and odds for Liverpool’s trip to Istanbul to face Turkish champions Galatasaray on Tuesday
Galatasaray vs Liverpool betting tips
Liverpool suffered their first setback of the season with a surprise loss at Crystal Palace last weekend and bouncing back won’t be easy when they head to Istanbul to face Turkish champions Galatasaray on Tuesday (8pm, Amazon Prime)
The Reds remain top of the Premier League after six matches, though their lead has been cut to just two points after Arsenal managed to beat Newcastle on Sunday.
But Arne Slot’s side face a potentially tough few weeks of domestic and European fixtures, with the Dutchman hoping to strike the balance in terms of rotation and results ahead of matches against the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid.
Thankfully for Slot, the club have been given a European schedule that should see them qualify for the next round of the Champions League fairly easily, especially having earned an opening win over Atletico Madrid.
In fact, Liverpool are the favourites in Champions League odds to win the competition, with betting sites offering odds of 6/1 on the Reds to win a seventh European Cup.
Their next match provides a potential banana skin against Turkish giants Galatasaray though, with the Reds needing a professional performance to come away from Rams Park with three points.
Nevertheless, Liverpool are heavy favourites in this one, with football betting sites making them odds-on to defeat the reigning Turkish champions.
Galatasaray vs Liverpool betting preview: Turkish delight for Slot and co
Liverpool’s 100 per cent winning record came to an end last weekend against Palace, but the Reds are still in a good position domestically, while the opening win over Atletico means they are standing in good stead in Europe too.
They travel to Istanbul as favourites after winning all but one game of the season so far, and they face a Galatasaray side who themselves are unbeaten domestically.
However, a 5-1 loss to Eintracht in their first Champions League game demonstrated the gap in quality between Galatasaray and the better sides in Europe’s top leagues.
The Turkish club have scored 19 goals over seven games in the league to add to the one against Frankfurt, so while they will threaten the Liverpool defence – especially at home – they will likely give away plenty of chances on Tuesday.
Liverpool should manage their way to a straightforward win, though with the Reds having conceded in seven of their nine games so far, the hosts could find some joy over the course of 90 minutes.
Galatasaray vs Liverpool prediction 1: Liverpool to win, both teams to score - 17/10 Betway
Galatasaray vs Liverpool best bets: Extra motivation for Ekitike
Hugo Ekitike missed Saturday’s defeat to Palace through suspension but could return to the starting line-up in Istanbul should Slot decide to rest Alexander Isak after his Swedish counterpart was forced to play almost the entire game at Selhurst Park.
Ekitike has so far proven an astute signing for the Reds, and the gap in quality between himself and Isak is perhaps not as wide as some expected, despite the fact that the youngster will likely serve as deputy to Liverpool’s record signing throughout the season.
The 23-year-old has scored five goals across eight matches so far this term, including the eventual winners in his last two games (against Everton in the league and Southampton in the cup).
While he was unable to score in the Champions League opener, the Frenchman will be facing a significantly worse defence this week, and he should have even more chances than he did against the Spanish side, when he managed three shots and an xG of 1.04.
Galatasaray vs Liverpool prediction 2: Hugo Ekitike to score anytime - 21/20 Ladbrokes
Galatasaray vs Liverpool team news
Galatasaray: Victor Osimhen seems to have recovered from an ankle injury suffered on international duty earlier this month, as he returned to the field for the win over Alanyaspor at the weekend. With the Nigerian striker returning, Gala manager Okan Buruk should have a full squad available for selection.
Liverpool: Giovanni Leoni is the only absentee for the Reds after recently suffering an ACL injury, with no new injury concerns after the loss to Crystal Palace. Slot could well rotate in some key positions ahead of a busy few weeks.
Galatasaray vs Liverpool predicted line-ups
Galatasaray XI: Cakir; Singo, Sanchez, Bardakci; Sallai, Gundogan, Sara, Elmali; Sane, Yilmaz; Osimhen.
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.
Champions League free bet offer
Betfred are offering a £5 free bet to those planning to have a wager on matchday 2 of this season's Champions League.
Opt in to the promotion and wager £10 or more in-play on any of Tuesday or Wednesday's Champions League matches. The qualifying wager must have odds of 1/2 (1.5) or greater.
Once the bet has been settled, Betfred will credit users with a £5 free bet to use in-play on any of Thursday's Europa League matches.
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