Liverpool vs PSG: Champions League Quarter-Final Second Leg Preview – Starting XI Predictions and Key Talking Points
Liverpool face a daunting task on Tuesday, 14 April 2026, as they host Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final at Anfield. Trailing 2-0 from the first leg in Paris—where goals from Désiré Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia gave PSG a commanding advantage—the Reds must produce a comeback performance under the famous Anfield lights.
Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 BST (19:00 GMT). PSG, the reigning champions, will look to defend their lead and progress to the semi-finals, while Arne Slot’s side needs at least two goals without reply to force extra time, or more to turn the tie around outright.
Team News and Injury Updates
Liverpool:
Goalkeeper Alisson remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, meaning Giorgi Mamardashvili will continue between the posts. Long-term absentees include Wataru Endo (ankle), Conor Bradley (knee), Giovanni Leoni (ACL), and Stefan Bajcetic. Alexander Isak has returned to the squad following a lengthy spell out but is expected to start on the bench rather than lead the line immediately. Recent domestic results have shown mixed form, with defensive vulnerabilities exposed and fatigue potentially playing a role after a busy schedule.
PSG:
Luis Enrique’s squad has its own concerns, with Bradley Barcola (ankle) and Quentin Ndjantou (hamstring) unavailable. Fabián Ruiz is listed as a doubt. Despite these absences, PSG boast significant attacking quality and depth, led by the likes of Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia on the flanks, supported by a strong midfield.
Predicted Starting XIs
Liverpool (likely 4-2-3-1 or attacking 4-3-3 variation):
Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Ekitike
Arne Slot is expected to go all-out in search of goals. Mohamed Salah and Florian Wirtz will be central to creating chances, while Hugo Ekitike (formerly of PSG) could provide extra motivation up front. Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister are set to anchor the midfield, with full-backs pushing forward to add width and pressure. Some variations may see adjustments at right-back or in midfield personnel depending on freshness, but an attacking setup feels essential at home.
PSG (4-3-3 – solid and counter-attacking):
Safonov; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Vitinha, Neves, Zaïre-Emery; Doué, Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia
Luis Enrique is likely to maintain a balanced and compact shape. The back four offers experience and solidity, while the midfield trio of Vitinha, João Neves, and Warren Zaïre-Emery provides control. The front three, particularly Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia, pose a major threat on the counter-attack if Liverpool commit too many players forward. PSG may sit deeper at times to frustrate the home side and exploit spaces.
Tactical Preview and Key Matchups
The tie hinges on whether Liverpool can generate early momentum at Anfield. The atmosphere will be electric, and the Reds will need to find a way past PSG’s organised defence. Key battles include:
- Liverpool’s attacking flair vs PSG’s backline: Salah, Wirtz, and Szoboszlai must deliver creativity and clinical finishing. Marquinhos and Pacho form a resilient central defensive partnership.
- Midfield control: Gravenberch and Mac Allister against Vitinha, Neves, and Zaïre-Emery – whichever side wins this duel is likely to dictate the tempo.
- Counter-attacking danger: PSG’s pace on the wings makes them extremely dangerous on the break. Liverpool must remain disciplined and avoid overcommitting.
Set-pieces could also prove vital for the home side, given the intensity Anfield can generate from dead-ball situations.
Historically, these two sides have met in high-stakes knockout ties before, with PSG often holding the edge in recent encounters. Liverpool have produced memorable home performances in Europe, but overturning a two-goal deficit against such quality opposition will require near-perfect execution.
Score Prediction
This promises to be a tense and thrilling night. Liverpool are expected to throw everything at PSG from the outset, potentially forcing a nervy evening for the visitors. However, PSG’s experience in big European matches and their lethal counter-attacking ability make them strong favourites to advance.
Predicted score: Liverpool 2-1 PSG (Aggregate: 2-3 – PSG progress to the semi-finals).
Extra time or even penalties remain possible if Liverpool score early and PSG successfully park the bus. Either way, a classic European night at Anfield is guaranteed.
Who do you think will start for each side, and can the Reds pull off the comeback? Let us know your thoughts below! ⚽
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