This is the big one. Liverpool host PSG in a season-defining Champions League second leg and Arne Slot has some big decisions to make.
The mission is simple. Claw back a two-goal deficit and knock out the reigning European champions. It will take another magical Anfield night to get the job done, and the right decisions before a ball is even kicked.
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In the days leading up to the clash, fans and pundits have debated whether Rio Ngumoha should start against PSG, and whether Mo Salah should get back in the side after being benched in the first leg.
Here’s what Rousing The Kop think Slot will decide, in the front line and all over the pitch.
Liverpool predicted XI to face PSG in the Champions League
A simple choice to start us off in goal, with Giorgi Mamardashvili retaining his place after an impressive display at the Parc des Princes.
No five at the back this time. Liverpool are chasing the game. Attack-minded full-backs Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez will start either side of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate to make up the line.
Andy Robertson is a tempting option with his vast experience in games of this magnitude, but we think Kerkez was rested at the weekend for a reason.
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Moving into the midfield, and it’s a physically superior double-pivot of Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch. Liverpool were dominated by PSG in the middle of the park last time out, and it’s imperative the Reds in the midfield prevent that from happening again.
Ryan Gravenberch of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammate Dominik Szoboszlai during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool at St James' Park
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Alexis Mac Allister goes to the bench.
The reason for playing Szoboszlai that bit further back is to facilitate an attacking front four that will be tasked with scoring at least two, but probably more goals in order to turn the tie around.
Florian Wirtz was signed for games like this. He’ll take up the ten position behind Hugo Ekitike as the number nine.
The most difficult decision has to be made out wide. Mohamed Salah’s pedigree demands he start this game. Coming off a goal at the weekend, it’s the perfect time for him to announce his return to form.
On the opposite flank, Cody Gakpo gets the nod. Slot believes in Ngumoha, and he will make an appearance on Tuesday night, but we reckon seniority will matter and that’s where the Dutchman gets an edge.
No Rio… Is this the strongest XI Slot can put out? 🤔
Liverpool vs PSG predicted XI
Liverpool vs PSG predicted XI
Whoever gets on the pitch will need to put in the performance of their lives. Szoboszlai has urged his teammates to give everything in this game, and that’s the only way Liverpool will have any hope of mounting another special European comeback.
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