Liverpool, the runaway Premier League leaders, had a much-needed rest this weekend before travelling to France to lock horns with Paris St-Germain in the Champions League Round of 16. The Reds avoided the knockout rounds after finishing first in the league phase, yet they were drawn against one of the most in-form European outfits who thrashed Brest 10-0 on aggregate to set up a clash this midweek.
PSG are back in business under Luis Enrique as the Ligue 1 giants have not lost a game since late November. They are on an incredible ten-game winning streak and the boisterous run across competitions should boost them up on Wednesday night at Parc des Princes.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Liverpool Lineup To Face Paris St-Germain
Defence
Neither Manchester City nor Newcastle United could beat past Alisson Becker in the Reds’ back-to-back 2-0 triumphs. But the red-hot Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola and Khvicha Kvaratskheila are expected to test his resolve between the sticks.
Liverpool lack depth in deep defence amid the injury woes of Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez. Ibrahima Konate and skipper Virgil van Dijk must maintain their composure, discipline and authority in the heart of the backline. Also, Trent Alexander-Arnold must exhibit his excellence down the right-hand flank. Andrew Robertson has been a shadow of his earlier self, yet the veteran left fullback should get the nod over Kostas Tsimikas for his experience of the highest order.
Midfield
While Enrique prefers a ‘midfield three’, Arne Slot’s double pivot of Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister would look to dominate the game in the centre of the pitch. Dominik Szoboszlai is in blistering form, as his flexibility and work ethic would allow the Dutchman to tweak the set-up to 4-3-3 from 4-2-3-1. Curtis Jones could be involved as a ‘super sub’ to depict his calmness and control with the ball.
Mohamed Salah is having the season of his life with 30 goals and 22 assists in 39 appearances in all competitions. The ‘Egyptian king’ is running riot week in, week out, and his battle with Nuno Mendes down the right would be an intriguing watch. Fit-again Cody Gakpo must feature from the left, even though Luis Diaz terrorized the Magpies defence a week ago.
Attack
Diaz has often been deployed as a ‘number 9’, and the Colombian could once again secure a starting status over Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez. He might keep switching his spot with Gakpo to ask questions in the PSG backline.
