Tonight’s Champions League quarter-final first leg at the Parc des Princes sees the defending champions, Paris Saint-Germain, host a Liverpool side looking to bounce back from a difficult run of domestic form.
Interesting Background
This is a heavyweight clash between two teams that have become frequent foes in Europe. PSG arrives as the favourite, having dismantled Chelsea 8–2 on aggregate in the previous round. They are in formidable form under Luis Enrique, winning their last four matches and scoring 15 goals in that span.
Liverpool, unfortunately, have been a tad inconsistent with a chequered season so far. Domestically, they have been bundled out of the EFL and FA Cups and are fighting hard to secure a Champions League spot in the Premier League. The players and the management are under constant stress to perform, which may result in PSG’s favour. However, Liverpool are a capable team and good enough to find another gear to topple PSG.
Team News
For PSG, Bradley Barcola has returned to the squad, and though he may not be in the starting lineup, his presence on the bench will only strengthen PSG. Ousmane Dembele is also carrying a niggle but will feature in the playing XI for sure. However, the form of Georgian Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is such an advantage for PSG. Since his recovery from injury Kvaratskhelia is in sublime form.
For Liverpool, the big news is the recovery of Alexander Isak after a 3 month layoff. He may not start, but he will boost goal scoring strength of Liverpool. Alisson Becker will remain on the sidelines as Hugo Ekitike will be travelling home to face PSG. All eyes will be on Florian Wirtz after his superb performances for Germany during the International break.
Match Expectations
Liverpool are under severe pressure after a mauling from Manchester City in the FA Cup quarters. The defence in that match was pathetic and goal scoring awry to say the least. The players lacked intensity.
No wonder senior players Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk, along with Manager Arne Slot, received huge criticism from fans and critics alike. Liverpool will be required to play out of their skins to get past PSG, and even if they lose, the damage has to be minimised.
PSG are on a roll. The defending Champions are playing great football and, in my opinion, may win big at the Parc des Princes before they travel to Anfield for the second leg. The Parisians will surely avoid a narrow lead going into Anfield.
PSG start as favourites with Liverpool, the Dark Horses.
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