Arne Slot is preparing for one of the biggest games of his Liverpool career, taking on PSG at the Parc des Princes.
The Champions League is the only trophy left up for grabs this season, which says a lot about how poor Liverpool’s title defence has been. Standing in the way is the current European champions, who knocked the Reds out in last season’s tournament.
If Slot is to get anything from this game, he will need to make some bold decisions — and one in particular that will not go down well with some fans. Here’s how Rousing The Kop reckon he will set Liverpool up.
For a place in the final with Xabi Alonso 👀Who gets the nod?
Slot or Klopp?
Arne Slot vs Jurgen Klopp
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Liverpool predicted XI vs PSG
With Alisson Becker still injured, Giorgi Mamardashvili will take his place again between the posts. If he can put in even half the performance Alisson produced at the Parc des Princes 12 months ago, it would put Liverpool in good stead.
Despite conceding four goals at the weekend, the same back line will likely be deployed against PSG. Joe Gomez at right-back, with Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk paired in the middle.
There is a chance Andy Robertson gets in, though we think Slot won’t want to risk his ageing legs against the opposition’s devastating wide talent. Milos Kerkez is inconsistent, but if he shows up he can go toe-to-toe with them physically.
Moving into the midfield, and it’s business as usual with Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, and a hopefully rejuvenated Alexis Mac Allister manning the engine room.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
This is where the tie could be decided. PSG have a formidable midfield that threatens to run riot over Liverpool if this trio doesn’t show up. Let’s hope for a performance from the midfielders more reminiscent of last season.
Luis Enrique and Arne Slot shake hands after the UEFA Champions League last-16 match between PSG and Liverpool at the Parc des Princes.
Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
Up top is where the controversial decision comes in. It’s always a risk to predict a high-profile dropping, but Slot has to bench Mohamed Salah. This is going to be a game in which Liverpool see far less of the ball — where transition moments matter.
Just look at last time out, when Harvey Elliott’s breakaway winner against PSG gave Liverpool a fighting chance in the second leg. Salah doesn’t seem to have the pace — nor the finishing if we’re being brutally honest — to make us confident that he will capitalise on the rare opportunities that fall to the visitors.
Jeremie Frimpong should start out on the right. Now, do I think Slot will make this call? I’m not sure, but form has to factor in at some point, and Salah’s has been woeful.
Florian Wirtz starts on the left, though intending to drift in centrally and impact the game. Then, Hugo Ekitike will face his old club from the first whistle.
No Salah against PSG, unchanged at the back…
Any issues, Reds? 👀
Predicted XI Liverpool vs PSG
Predicted XI Liverpool vs PSG
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox