Liverpool vs. Paris Saint-Germain: Champions League Last-16 Showdown

Liverpool’s formidable home record and Champions League pedigree give them a significant edge, but PSG’s attacking depth and relentless approach cannot be underestimated.
Image credit: Liverpool FC

Liverpool will host Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield on Tuesday night for the second leg of their Champions League Round of 16 clash.

Arne Slot’s side pulled off a dramatic 1-0 victory in the first leg in Paris, thanks to a late Harvey Elliott strike and an outstanding goalkeeping display from Alisson Becker.

However, PSG, desperate to overturn their deficit, will arrive on Merseyside determined to mount a comeback.

Match Preview

Despite being outplayed for large portions of the first leg, Liverpool capitalized on PSG’s inefficiency in front of goal.

Luis Enrique’s side registered 27 attempts but failed to score, while the Reds converted one of just two shots on target.

Liverpool’s defensive resilience and Alisson’s heroics helped them secure a crucial advantage, but the tie is far from over.

Domestically, Liverpool has maintained strong form, securing a 3-1 comeback victory over Southampton in their last outing.

Mohamed Salah’s double from the penalty spot saw him equal the record for most goal involvements in a Premier League season, while Darwin Núñez also found the net.

However, their sluggish first-half display may give PSG confidence ahead of this crucial encounter.

For PSG, the first-leg defeat was a bitter reminder of their continued struggles in Europe’s elite competition.

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However, they responded emphatically with a 4-1 win over Rennes in Ligue 1, showcasing their attacking firepower. Ousmane Dembélé netted twice, while Gonçalo Ramos and Bradley Barcola also got on the scoresheet.

The French champions are currently on a 13-game winning streak away from home across all competitions and have the firepower to trouble Liverpool’s defense.

Team News

Liverpool’s squad remains largely unchanged, with Cody Gakpo set to return after recovering from a knock.

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Tyler Morton, Joe Gomez, and Conor Bradley are still sidelined, while Dominik Szoboszlai could be benched after struggling with fatigue.

Harvey Elliott, the hero of the first leg, is in contention for a starting spot.

PSG, on the other hand, have a fully fit squad, allowing Enrique to rotate his side in their weekend fixture.

Several key players, including Achraf Hakimi, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz, and captain Marquinhos, were rested and are expected to return to the starting XI.

Ousmane Dembélé, who has been in scintillating form, will likely lead the attack alongside Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Barcola.

Predicted Lineups

Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Elliott, Gakpo; Jota.

PSG: Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Ruiz, Vitinha, Neves; Kvaratskhelia, Dembélé, Barcola.

Prediction

Liverpool’s formidable home record and Champions League pedigree give them a significant edge, but PSG’s attacking depth and relentless approach cannot be underestimated.

If the French giants can find their finishing touch, they have the potential to overturn the deficit.

Prediction: Liverpool 1-3 PSG (AET, PSG win 3-2 on aggregate)

Will Liverpool’s Anfield fortress hold strong, or can PSG pull off a remarkable comeback? All eyes will be on this thrilling clash under the European lights.

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