Liverpool go into the Parc des Princes this Wednesday for a big Champions League quarter-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain. Despite their domestic struggles under Arne Slot, the Merseyside giants still have that European pedigree that often shows up regardless of their league form. There’s a lot of pressure on the squad as they try to repeat last year’s 1-0 win in the French capital. This European tie is a massive opportunity for the players to find some pride again after a rough patch in the Premier League.
How have Liverpool and PSG fared against each other in recent games
Both heavyweights share a remarkably balanced history, with each side claiming three victories across their six previous European encounters. Last season, the tension reached a breaking point in the round of 16, when Liverpool secured a narrow 1-0 away win despite relentless Parisian pressure. However, Paris Saint-Germain exacted their revenge at Anfield by mirroring that scoreline and ultimately progressing 4-1 on penalties.
Liverpool’s predicted starting XI
Giorgi Mamardashvili gets the nod in goal because Alisson Becker is still out with a nagging injury. A back four of Jeremie Frimpong, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, and Milos Kerkez will have their hands full trying to keep PSG’s front line quiet.
Slot will likely go with a midfield duo of Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister to keep things steady and control the tempo. Further up the pitch, Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz will be the main playmakers in a fluid setup. Mohamed Salah is paired with Hugo Ekitiké in a 4-2-2-2 system designed for direct play and clinical finishing.
Liverpool’s predicted XI against PSG – Liverpool (4-2-2-2): Giorgi Mamardashvili – Jeremie Frimpong, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez – Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister – Dominik Szoboszlai, Florian Wirtz – Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitiké.
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Scorzo’s Take
Slot’s possible decision to stick with this specific setup feels like a bit of a gamble to patch up a shaky defence. While Wirtz and Frimpong are clearly top-tier talents, their lack of chemistry with the veteran players might hurt the team’s overall shape.
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It will be a bold move to go without traditional wingers, and it might leave the full-backs hanging out to dry against PSG’s pace out wide. Salah looks like he needs a rest, and playing him centrally with Ekitiké could struggle if the midfield doesn’t get the ball to them accurately. Liverpool need to settle into the game early, or the atmosphere in Paris might be too much for this experimental side.
