Aiming to qualify for the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, Liverpool entertain Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield for the second leg of their last-16 contest on Tuesday evening.
The Reds somehow left Parc des Princes with a 1-0 win from last week’s first leg, where goalkeeper Alisson Becker undoubtedly produced the best performance of his career in goal. While Paris Saint-Germain failed to breach their defence after 27 shots, Southampton did on Saturday afternoon via Will Smallbone in the first half.
However, Arne Slot’s men came out a different side in the second half and won the contest 3-1 in the end. The win coupled with Arsenal dropping points in a 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Sunday means the Merseysiders now hold a 15-point lead at the summit albeit having played a game more than Mikel Arteta’s side.
Liverpool Team News
Cody Gakpo has missed the last couple of games with a minor injury. The Dutchman remains touch-and-go for the visit of PSG. Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley are not expected to be back until after the upcoming international break.
Predicted Liverpool lineup vs Paris Saint-Germain (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Alisson Becker turned into a superhuman last week, making nine incredible saves to deny PSG and keep his clean sheet intact. Arne Slot will not want his goalkeeper to endure another busy night but should expect him to step up again if called upon.
Defence
Lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, Virgil van Dijk should continue his formidable partnership with Ibrahima Konate at the heart of Liverpool’s defence. They have to be compact and make smart decisions on and off the ball this time around.
Andy Robertson is expected to replace Kostas Tsimikas at left-back from the Southampton game, but Trent Alexander-Arnold should continue from his right-back position. Slot will expect his full-backs to be defensively resolute and strong in duels against the explosive PSG wingers.
Midfield
There is no looking past the midfield trio of Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai. With Gravenberch and Mac Allister holding the fort in the middle of the park, Szoboszlai should get the license to roam around and make things happen in the final third.
Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliot, who came off the bench and scored the only goal of the game in Paris last week, could be called upon by the Liverpool gaffer when required.
Attack
The best player in the Premier League this season, Mohamed Salah is undroppable and will look to extend his goal tally after scoring a brace in the 3-1 win over Southampton. He is a certainty on the right flank, with Luis Diaz getting the nod on the left flank.
Despite Darwin Nunez scoring a goal and earning a penalty against Southampton, Slot is expected to go with Diogo Jota up top with Gakpo doubtful.
