Liverpool’s 2-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes on April 8 was a tough pill to swallow. Désiré Doué’s deflected opener and a perfect finish from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia did the damage, but the scoreline actually flattered the Reds.
If not for Giorgi Mamardashvili’s heroics, the deficit could have been much worse, especially considering Liverpool failed to test the PSG keeper even once. Saturday’s 2-0 win over Fulham snapped a three-game losing streak and offered a bit of a morale boost, but that optimism faces a massive reality check against the mountain they have to climb at Anfield tonight.
How might Arne Slot line up his Liverpool side at Anfield?
Slot is expected to revert to his preferred 4-2-3-1, ditching the three-at-the-back experiment that backfired so clearly in Paris. Giorgi Mamardashvili should continue in goal while Alisson Becker remains sidelined. The Georgian keeper was the only reason Liverpool stayed in the tie after the first leg, and he’ll need to carry that form into what is easily the biggest night of his Anfield career.
At right-back, Jeremie Frimpong returns after missing the trip to France. His ability to fly down the wing will give Liverpool a much-needed outlet in transition and should force PSG to rethink their defensive shape.
Milos Kerkez will take the left-back spot, tasked with providing the high energy required to chase a two-goal deficit. In the heart of the defence, Ibrahima Konaté and Virgil van Dijk have to be much better. PSG’s front three ran through them in the first leg, so this duo needs to find their composure and dominate the aerial duels from the first whistle.
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The midfield anchor should consist of Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister. Gravenberch provides the physical presence and ball-carrying needed for a high press, while Mac Allister will be the one pulling the strings and trying to dictate the tempo of the game.
The creative engine room features Mohamed Salah back on the right wing. After being surprisingly benched in Paris, he remains Liverpool’s primary threat, especially under the lights at Anfield. Dominik Szoboszlai should occupy the central role, looked upon to provide late runs into the box, while Florian Wirtz should start on the left. Wirtz’s close control and vision will be vital if Liverpool are going to break down what will likely be a very compact PSG defence.
Up top, Hugo Ekitiké should get the nod as the lone striker. His job is to lead the press and hold the ball up to bring Salah and Wirtz into the game. His work rate will be essential for what should be an exhausting, high-intensity 90 minutes.
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The mountain Liverpool must climb
The math is straightforward but daunting: Liverpool need at least two goals while keeping a clean sheet against a lethal PSG attack. It’s a massive ask, but Anfield has a habit of making the impossible feel likely on European nights. It will take a near-flawless shift, and this lineup is arguably Slot’s best shot at making it happen.
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Giorgi Mamardashvili – Jeremie Frimpong, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez – Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister – Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai, Florian Wirtz – Hugo Ekitiké.
