On Wednesday, two European heavyweights face off in the Champions League last-16 first leg as Paris Saint-Germain host Liverpool at the Parc des Princes.
PSG, under the guidance of Luis Enrique, have looked a different side this season. After years of trying and failing to clinch that elusive European crown during the Messi-Neymar-Mbappé era, they've shifted focus to building a squad for the future. Their journey to the knockout stages wasn’t without hiccups, but a vital three-game winning streak, capped by a thrilling 4-2 comeback over Manchester City, secured their place in the playoffs.
In the knockout round, PSG had no mercy on European newcomers Brest, crushing them 10-0 on aggregate after dominant wins in both legs. It was a statement of intent, as they continued their impressive run with a 4-1 victory over Lille in Ligue 1, extending their winning streak to 10 matches across all competitions.
Yet, for all their domestic dominance, PSG’s Achilles' heel has often been the Champions League last-16, where they've been knocked out at this stage five times in the past eight seasons. But this year, with their revamped squad, they are hoping to break that curse.
Across the Channel, Liverpool are no strangers to European glory, and under manager Arne Slot, they’ve made an impressive start to their continental campaign. Aside from a meaningless 3-2 loss to PSV Eindhoven on the final matchday, Liverpool topped their group with seven wins in the league phase, cruising past most of their competition.
Domestically, Liverpool have been just as dominant, holding a 13-point lead at the top of the Premier League. They’ve been in top form, with back-to-back 2-0 victories over Manchester City and Newcastle in their last two games, and they’re also gearing up for the EFL Cup final against Newcastle later this month.
However, despite their domestic success, Liverpool’s recent knockout record in Europe hasn’t been great, with three straight losses to Real Madrid in the Champions League. And away from Anfield, they've struggled in recent seasons, winning just three of their last nine away games across all competitions. Their record against French teams in Europe is particularly poor, with no wins in their last five trips to France since their last victory over Marseille in 2008.
The stakes are high for both sides as they meet in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. The winner will face either Aston Villa or Club Brugge in the quarter-finals. The battle for European supremacy is on, and the first leg promises fireworks.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
After their dominant 4-1 win over Lille, PSG come into Wednesday’s first leg with a fully fit squad, with no new injury concerns. Manager Luis Enrique has the luxury of having a healthy group, which gives him some positive selection headaches across the board.
Expect a few changes from the Lille triumph, with Vitinha, Willian Pacho, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia—who was reportedly a January transfer target for Liverpool—likely to return to the starting XI.
Meanwhile, PSG captain Marquinhos is set for a special milestone. The veteran centre-back could make his 100th Champions League start on Wednesday, becoming the first player to do so exclusively for a French club and just the fourth Brazilian in history to reach that mark, joining legends like Roberto Carlos, Dani Alves, and Thiago Silva.
On the other hand, Liverpool have a few more injury worries to contend with. Tyler Morton (shoulder), Conor Bradley (hamstring), and Joe Gomez (hamstring) are all confirmed absentees, while Cody Gakpo is a doubt after picking up a knock. Teenager Amara Nallo, who was sent off just minutes into his debut against PSV, is also unavailable due to suspension.
However, Liverpool’s attack will be bolstered by the one and only Mohamed Salah, who will be hoping to add to his incredible Champions League record. Already having one of the greatest individual Premier League seasons ever, the 32-year-old has been involved in 20 goals across 30 UCL knockout matches—more than any other African player, outpacing Samuel Eto’o and Didier Drogba, who both had 19.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Paris Saint-Germain possible starting lineup:
Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Ruiz, Vitinha, Neves; Kvaratskhelia, Dembele, Barcola
Liverpool possible starting lineup:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Jota
EXPERT PREDICTION
PSG 2-2 Liverpool
