Liverpool v Paris Saint-Germain Preview and Prediction
- Elliot Bloom
- Apr 14
- 4 min read
A big night at Anfield awaits as Liverpool host European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.
The Reds go into this game down 2–0 from a one-sided first leg at the Parc des Princes, which saw them attempt just three shots over 90 minutes. Now, having to overcome this deficit against such a strong side is no easy feat, of course, but if there is one stadium where a comeback like this can, and has, happened on many occasions, it’s Anfield.
But Liverpool have waited a while for one of those famous European knockout nights. Additionally, PSG are the current holders but are also absolutely flying in Europe, so what will happen tonight?
Liverpool Overview
Right now, Liverpool's season is following the same path it has all year so far. A truly humbling defeat at the Etihad ten days ago followed by the defeat to PSG four days later left their season looking dead. But now, a comfortable 2-0 win over Fulham and Chelsea's defeat to Man City has given them a comfortable position in the top five in the Premier League, putting Liverpool well on course for Champions League football next season.
That will be seen by almost everyone at the Football Club as the bare minimum, however, and the lack of achievement anywhere else this season has meant that Arne Slot has been under increasing pressure not only to get results, but to get performances.
That is what most Liverpool fans were left disappointed by in the first leg vs PSG. Most were expecting a defeat at this stage of the season, but the negative performance and lack of attacking ambition is not 'the Liverpool way' and particularly so if it still results in a comfortable defeat and conceding 17 shots as well as a 2.35xG.
At Anfield, under the lights, the approach has to change. A fast start is required to get the fans on side and suffocate PSG. An early goal may be crucial. But I have sympathy for Arne Slot. Liverpool do not have the pressing capabilities of the past. Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and more are no longer at the club. Cody Gakpo, Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike and an ageing Mo Salah do not provide the same energy off the ball as their predecessors did, and it is a big reason why Liverpool have been so easy to play against this season.
That said, this PSG side could still cut through any team. So Arne Slot is in a sticky situation. Sit deep, allow Neves and Vitinha to dictate and create, with no real pace on the counter attack. Or press PSG, be expansive on the ball, and risk a devastating PSG front three picking you off on the counter attack, as they did to Chelsea in the last round.
The solution? Do both. This isn't a game to be stubborn. A fast, heavy start is required to get the fans into it and try and make PSG uncomfortable. But a team with their quality will have periods in the game, and this is where Liverpool, both players and coaches, need to recognise this and sit into their shape and defend when required. The deficit is 'only' two, and the importance of an early goal makes the rest of the game far easier to manage from Liverpool's perspective.
PSG Overview
For PSG, they seem a team so assured in their own quality and abilities. It comes from their coach, Luis Enrique, who has done what many thought was impossible and turned PSG into a legitimate constant threat in the Champions League.
Recently, they have dominated English teams. They completely blew away Chelsea over both legs in their last-16 tie last month. They put five past Spurs in the league phase after also beating them in the Super Cup this season. They won at the Emirates and knocked Arsenal out last season at the semi-final stage. Only Newcastle managed a result against them late in the league phase this season.
Their pace, directness, skill and ruthlessness in front of goal causes anyone problems. PSG will look at this Liverpool defence again and know they will be able to create chances against them yet again. 1v1 battles against their fullbacks will be key. PSG will look to get their front three isolated against Liverpool's backline where there is a stark difference in quality, bar Virgil van Dijk.
PSG also know the importance of their two goal lead. Eventually, Liverpool are going to open up, and the French champion's ability on the counter attack will be what gets the Anfield crowd nervous.
We have spoken about the importance of an early goal for Liverpool, but I believe the same applies to PSG. An early goal will kill the Anfield crowd, will flatten the atmosphere and should make the rest of the match rather uneventful. As Liverpool continue to probe, PSG will punish them wherever possible, as they did to Chelsea when winning 3-0 at the Bridge.
So for PSG, it is important to take their chances when, not if, they come. They know their quality, they know how to hurt this Liverpool side, and they will be setting traps all over the park for Liverpool to fall into.
Prediction
It has been a long time since Liverpool had a big night at Anfield in a European knockout match. The feel around the club and the fans doesn't feel the same as in years past. PSG will be waiting for a toothless Liverpool to expand, and when they do, I think they hit Liverpool on the counter a few times tonight. I expect Anfield to be silenced and Liverpool to experience another disappointing night this season, outclassed by simply a far better team right now.
