Liverpool face Turkish side Galatasaray in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie this week in what could be a tricky tie.
Galatasaray finished 20th in the Champions League group phase with 10 points from eight games. The Turks then took on Juventus in the qualifying round of the knockout stages, securing a dramatic 7-5 aggregate win after staving off a second leg comeback from the Italians.
The Istanbul-based side are once again top of their domestic league, sitting four points above second place Fenerbahce. Their form backs up their league position appropriately, with the team boasting eight wins from their last ten games. With eight of their last ten games seeing over 2.5 goals scored, we're expecting an open game this week, something the visitors will no doubt relish.
While recognising the challenge ahead of them, Liverpool will be satisfied with their last 16 draw relative to the other possibilities. Despite the fact they lost to the Turkish side in the group phase, they'll feel as though they're in a stronger position than they were back then (when they were amidst something of a mini crisis).
Liverpool's form is now very good, with the Reds winning seven of their last ten games, including five of their last six. Like their opponents, their games have been notably high-event, with eight of their last ten outings seeing over 2.5 goals scored. Having complained repeatedly at the overly defensive nature of Premier League teams, Arne Slot will have little excuse if his side do not produce against a more expansive opponent this week.
It won't be an easy game for the Reds, but recent form and quality on the pitch makes them the clear favourites to win this one.
Galatasaray 2-3 Liverpool
