Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain will battle for a spot in the Champions League quarter-finals in a highly anticipated second-leg clash at Anfield on Tuesday night. The Reds secured a crucial 1-0 win in Paris last week, but PSG dominated the game and will be confident of overturning the deficit on Merseyside.
Liverpool Seeking Another European Miracle at Anfield
Liverpool were second-best for most of the first leg but escaped the French capital with a narrow victory thanks to substitute Harvey Elliott’s late goal. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker was the real hero of the night, producing a stunning nine-save performance to deny PSG from their 27 shots on goal.
Despite the positive result, Liverpool’s vulnerabilities were exposed in their weekend Premier League game against Southampton. The Reds struggled in the first half and needed a second-half comeback, with Darwin Núñez and two Mohamed Salah penalties securing a 3-1 win.
Anfield has been a fortress on European nights, and Liverpool will look to use their home advantage to see off PSG. The Reds have progressed from their last 14 Champions League knockout ties after winning the first leg. However, history also shows that PSG have the ability to turn things around in big European matches.
PSG Aiming to Complete a Comeback
Paris Saint-Germain’s wastefulness in front of goal cost them in the first leg, but they remain one of the most dangerous attacking sides in Europe. Luis Enrique’s men responded to the setback with a dominant 4-1 win over Rennes in Ligue 1, showing their firepower ahead of the trip to Anfield.
PSG are no strangers to second-leg comebacks. Last season, they lost 3-2 at home to Barcelona in the quarter-finals but won 4-1 away to progress. They will be hoping for a similar turnaround against Liverpool.
The French champions are in red-hot form away from home, winning their last 13 matches across all competitions. Their last Champions League away defeat came against Bayern Munich in March 2023, and they have since beaten Red Bull Salzburg, Stuttgart, and Brest on the road this season.
Team News and Possible Lineups
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that Cody Gakpo is fit for the match, providing another attacking option for the hosts. However, the Reds will be without Tyler Morton (shoulder), Joe Gomez (hamstring), and Conor Bradley (hamstring).
Liverpool may also make changes in midfield, with Harvey Elliott pushing for a start after his match-winning goal in Paris. Dominik Szoboszlai struggled in the weekend win over Southampton and could be rested.
PSG have no injury concerns, giving Enrique the luxury of a fully fit squad. Several key players, including Ousmane Dembélé, Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes, and Gianluigi Donnarumma, were rested against Rennes and will return to the starting XI.
Liverpool possible starting lineup:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Elliott, Gakpo; Jota
PSG possible starting lineup:
Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Ruiz, Vitinha, Neves; Kvaratskhelia, Dembele, Barcola
Jambobet Predictions for Liverpool vs. PSG
-
Match Winner: PSG to Win
PSG showed their attacking quality in the first leg but lacked the finishing touch. With a fully rested squad and a point to prove, they are likely to exploit Liverpool’s defensive frailties and win the second leg. -
Both Teams to Score (GG): Yes
Liverpool have scored in every Champions League home match this season, while PSG’s attack is one of the most lethal in Europe. Expect goals from both teams. -
Over 2.5 Goals: Yes
PSG need to score at least once to stay alive in the tie, and Liverpool will also be looking for goals at home. This game could be an end-to-end battle, making over 2.5 goals a solid bet.
Final Thoughts
Liverpool will be relying on Anfield’s magic and their recent strong record in the Champions League to see them through, but PSG’s firepower and motivation could be the difference. With the visitors in top form away from home, expect a high-scoring clash that could go the distance.
If PSG are clinical in front of goal, they stand a strong chance of turning this tie around and knocking Liverpool out of the competition.
READ NEXT:
