placeholder image
AFP via Getty Images
Liverpool team predicted to face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-final first leg.
Liverpool’s hopes of silverware rest on the Champions League as they face Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-final first leg at the Parc des Princes (20.00 BST).
Arne Slot heads into the encounter under pressure after last weekend’s sobering 4-0 loss to Manchester City in the FA Cup last eight. With Liverpool fifth in the Premier League, there are calls among sections of supporters for the head coach to be removed from the Anfield hot seat.
Certainly, Liverpool’s fate in the Champions League could decide Slot’s future beyond the campaign. The Dutchman has backed his team to go toe-to-toe with the reigning European champions, who dumped the Reds out of the competition last season.
The aim will be for Liverpool to stay in the tie ahead of next week’s return leg at Anfield. The Reds were put under constant siege in last season’s fixture in the French capital, but delivered a smash-and-grab victory. In truth, Slot’s side would take a similar evening for the latest meeting against PSG.
Ahead of the game, here’s the Liverpool team predicted.
GK - Giorgi Mamardashvili
Alisson Becker delivered arguably the best performance of his career against PSG last season. Mamardashvili will undoubtedly expect a busy evening in his own right.
RB - Joe Gomez
Solidity will be required and Gomez is a better option than Jeremie Frimpong defensively. There is the option to play Dominik Szoboszlai as a makeshift option, but Slot may resist.
CB - Ibrahima Konate
Back in his home city and he will have to be much better than against City.
CB - Virgil van Dijk
The Liverpool captain has taken heat for admitting that the Reds 'gave up' against City. Van Dijk's performance also has to markedly improve.
LB - Andy Robertson
Experience and nous will be needed in such a high-pressure game. That is something Robertson has profusely and it's why he may start ahead of Milos Kerkez.
CM - Ryan Gravenberch
The Netherlands international has underwhelmed for the most part this season but remains favoured in the role. He will need to give so much more protection in the engine room than at the Etihad Stadium.
CM - Alexis Mac Allister
Surprisingly named on the bench at City but Curtis Jones' poor display means that Mac Allister is likely to return.
CM - Dominik Szoboszlai
Has come under flak for his reaction to supporters after the City loss and has to show a positive reaction. Slot could look to overload the engine room and play a box midfield.
AM - Florian Wirtz
Showed some nice touches in the early stages of the City game but has to show better decision-making in the final third.
ST - Mo Salah
Was not his day whatsoever at City. There are question marks over Salah but operating as a centre-forward could suit him.
ST - Cody Gakpo
Been on the bench of late but Slot could look to lean on Gakpo's experience and opt to bring on Hugo Ekitike later in the game if things are tight, while Alexander Isak could be given a couple of minutes.
Woodman, Miscuir, Kerkez, Jones, Nyoni, Frimpogn, Ekitike, Isak, Chiesa, Ngumoha
Continue Reading