Liverpool executed a classic smash-and-grab on Wednesday in Paris. Despite PSG's relentless 27-shot barrage, the Reds emerged victorious thanks to Harvey Elliott's late strike and Alisson Becker's goalkeeping heroics. The Brazilian shot-stopper's nine saves were pivotal, leaving PSG ruing missed opportunities.
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Domestically, Liverpool showcased their resilience with a 3-1 comeback win over Southampton, further cementing their position atop the Premier League and pulling away from Arsenal, as they slipped up at Old Trafford. Mohamed Salah's brace from the penalty spot in that match secured Liverpool’s 3 points and the Anfield faithful will be looking to Salah to guide them through.
PSG, meanwhile, demonstrated their attacking prowess with a commanding 4-1 victory over Rennes in Ligue 1. Ousmane Dembélé's late double in that fixture took his season tally to 28 goals, underscoring his lethal form. PSG had a lacklustre start to their Champions League campaign, necessitating a play-off round against Brest. They blew their domestic rivals away in a 10-0 aggregate win and were desperately unfortunate not to score against a resilient Liverpool side last season.
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Liverpool's manager, Arne Slot, has a few injury concerns. Cody Gakpo is in contention after recovering from a knock, while Tyler Morton, Conor Bradley, and Joe Gomez remain sidelined. Dominik Szoboszlai, substituted early against Southampton, could have been saved for PSG as he has looked jaded of late.
PSG's Luis Enrique enjoys the luxury of a fully fit squad. Key players like Vitinha, Fabián Ruiz, Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes, and Gianluigi Donnarumma, rested in the previous league match, are set to return to the starting lineup.
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- Head-to-Head at Anfield: Liverpool have won both of PSG's previous visits to Anfield, showcasing their home advantage in this fixture.
- The Return of Liverpool’s Dominant Defence?: Liverpool's defence went 5 UCL games without losing a goal after the league phase opener at Milan, keeping clean sheets against Bologna, Leipzig, Leverkusen, Real Madrid and Girona on their way to topping the inaugural table.
- Shot Difference Records: Liverpool logged just 2 shots in Paris on Wednesday, becoming just the second team in UCL history to win a game with a shot difference of -25 or greater.
With a one-goal advantage, Liverpool aim to maintain their impressive record of progressing from European ties after winning the first leg away—a feat they've achieved 39 times. However, PSG's formidable away form, boasting 17 wins in 22 matches this season, suggests an enthralling contest awaits at Anfield. Football aficionados can anticipate a night of high-octane action as two European heavyweights battle for a coveted quarter-final spot.