Overview
In the first leg, Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia took turns shining, helping PSG win 2-0. However, the reigning Champions League champions have not completely neutralized tactical adjustments from coach Arne Slot.
Liverpool's expected goal score (xG) of 0.17 at Parc des Princes may be the lowest level under Slot to date. However, the English team can completely accept defeat with a larger gap, instead of just stopping at 0-2, thereby still having a chance to reverse the situation.
The Anfield factor once created a magical night with a 4-0 victory over Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals 7 years ago. At the present time, Slot's team has also just ended a 3-match losing streak with a 2-0 victory over Fulham in the Premier League.
This result marks Liverpool's fourth victory in their last 5 home matches. They scored 15 goals in that streak, thereby igniting hope for a comeback.
Before the second leg, PSG had a full weekend break after the match against Lens in Ligue 1. This decision was approved by the French Football Federation, despite objections from Lens, in order to create the best conditions for Luis Enrique's team to maintain their goal in the Champions League.
Last week's victory in Paris was PSG's fifth consecutive victory. Although no longer maintaining the overwhelming image as in the 2024-2025 season, the French capital team still has a great opportunity to complete the domestic double title and Champions League when the season enters a decisive stage.
PSG's away form is also very impressive as they have won all 4 recent matches, kept a clean sheet in 3 recent matches and scored in every trip since the beginning of the year.
Last season, Enrique helped PSG win 1-0 at Anfield in the round of 16 before advancing after a penalty shootout. This time, even if they lose with a similar score, the Ligue 1 representative is still qualified to win a ticket to the semi-finals, where they can face top opponents such as Real Madrid or Bayern Munich.
Personnel situation
On Liverpool's side, Curtis Jones was forced to leave the field in the first half due to a groin injury last weekend. Arne Slot admitted that the English midfielder is almost certain to be absent in the second leg.
Jones joins Liverpool's injury list, alongside Alisson Becker (status unknown), Wataru Endo (ankle injury), Giovanni Leoni (front cruciate ligament rupture) and Conor Bradley (knee injury).
However, it is likely that Slot will still use the same framework as in the victory against Fulham.
On the other side, PSG did not suffer any losses in force after the 2-0 victory in the first leg. With a full weekend break, Enrique does not have to face any new personnel concerns.
The Paris capital team may even welcome Bradley Barcola back after an ankle injury. The French player has returned to full training before the first leg, but it is still too early for him to play.
Expected lineup:
Mamardashvili, Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Salah, Wirtz, Ngumoha, Ekitike.
Safonov, Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes, Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Neves, Doue, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia.
The match between Liverpool and PSG takes place at 2:00 AM on April 15 (Vietnam time).
