'If we meet': Victor Osmihen hoping to avoid Liverpool 'revenge' as he makes prediction for UCL clash at Anfield
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Rousing the Kop or go back to LFC Live.
Victor Osimhen proved to be Liverpool’s undoing when the Reds met Galatasaray in this season’s Champions League.The Nigerian is one of the best strikers in Europe on his day and is a big reason for the Turkish champions’ progressing to the last-16 of the competition.He was the difference back in September, when his penalty condemned Liverpool to a 1-0 defeat in Istanbul. After Gala knocked Juventus out of an epic round of 32 match on Wednesday, the two teams could meet again in the last-16.Liverpool have reason to hope for a tie with Atletico Madrid, though, and when speaking after Wednesday’s match with Juve, Osimhen admitted that he is also crossing his fingers not to meet Liverpool again.Victor Osimhen hoping for Tottenham clashLiverpool actually have a poor record against Galatasaray, winning only once in their five meetings with the Istanbul natives.Their only victory came at Anfield in 2006 on their way to the final, and asked by Jamie Carragher if he’d prefer to meet Liverpool again or Tottenham Hotspur in the last-16, Osimhen cited the Reds’ home ground as a potential reason to avoid Arne Slot’s team.Photo by Abdulhamid Hosbas/Anadolu via Getty ImagesREAD MORE: Roland Sallai and the 3-5-2: Why Liverpool’s latest transfer move signals a permanent shift to two strikers“I mean, to be honest with you, meeting Liverpool now is going to be like some sort of revenge,” the 27-year-old smiled as he spoke to CBS Sports Golazo.“I wouldn’t say much, but I would like to escape Liverpool, but if they come of course we’re going to dig it out but it’s not going to be easy.
It’s not going to be easy, of course, but we have fight in us.” How far will Liverpool go in this year’s Champions League? Anfield will be crucial in Galatasaray clashIf it is Galatasaray out of the hat for Liverpool during Friday’s draw, then the Turks would have few reasons to fear the Reds.The two teams have met five times in their history, with Gala winning two to Liverpool’s one.
In Osimhen they have a genuinely top-class striker who can hurt any team.Liverpool have never won at RAMS Park, and if they do come up against each other again, it will be difficult for Slot’s team once more.As a result, Anfield will likely be the crucial factor in the tie. Having qualified through the top eight, Liverpool will have home advantage during the second-leg and whether it’s against Galatasaray or Atletico Madrid, they must make that count.