Champions League: PSG and Liverpool Slated in Gigantic Clash

PSG vs Liverpool

One of the top Champions League Round of 16 matches we are anticipating is the clash between PSG and Liverpool. The Parisiens will host the first leg on Wednesday at Parc des Princes, and the Reds will host the return leg at Anfield next week. PSG and Liverpool are two of the most in-form teams in Europe.

The Parisiens are on top of the Ligue 1 table and are undefeated in 22 consecutive games across all competitions since a 1-0 loss against Bayern Munich last November.

On the other hand, the Reds sit 13 points clear in first place in the Premier League table and are gunning for a rare treble. Arne Slot’s men are undefeated in their last five matches since a shocking 1-0 upset loss to Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup fourth round last month.

Learn more about these two teams by reading our SBOTOP match preview below.

 

Talking Points

Dembele leads PSG’s prolific attack

PSG didn’t skip a beat despite losing Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid last summer and loaning Randal Kolo Muani to Juventus this winter, as Ousmane Dembele has led the way. The 27-year-old winger is finally injury-free and leads the Parisiens with 18 league goals and five assists this season.

The Parisiens knocked off Brest in the previous round of the Champions League by routing them 10-0 on aggregate. They notched a 3-0 victory at Stade de Roudourou, with Dembele scoring a brace, and they finished them off with a 7-0 blowout in the reverse fixture at Parc des Princes. After that, Luis Enrique’s side secured three more wins in all competitions, outlasting Lyon 3-2, dispatching Stade Briochin 7-0 in the Coupe de France quarter-finals, and beating up Lille 4-1 last Sunday.

Besides Dembele, Liverpool will also have to worry about Bradley Barcola, Lee Kang-In, Vitinha, Achraf Hakimi and Goncalo Ramos, who combine for 30 league goals and 18 assists this season. They are no slouches at the back either, with Marquinhos leading the backline alongside Nuno Mendes, Lucas Beraldo, Willian Pacho, and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

 

Salah playing with a chip on his shoulder at Liverpool

Mohamed Salah is one of the top candidates to win this year’s Ballon d’Or, but he will need some trophies to back his claim. The Egyptian winger has been one of the most productive players in Europe’s top five leagues this term, recording 25 league goals and 17 assists. He still hasn’t signed a new deal with Liverpool, so he is also playing for another huge payday.

Liverpool have been (somewhat) over-reliant on Salah, and that won’t cut it against PSG, who also have loads of firepower. Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Dominik Szoboszlai, Diogo Jota, and Darwin Nunez must add to their combined tally of 31 league goals and 15 assists this season.

Team captain Virgil van Dijk will also be pivotal to the Reds’ fortunes against the Parisiens. The 33-year-old centre-back will join Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, and Andy Robertson at the back to cover goalkeeper Alisson.

 

History

PSG and Liverpool will meet for only the third time in the Champions League this Wednesday, as these two sides last met in the 2018-19 group stage. The Reds won 3-2 at Anfield, and the Parisiens won 2-1 at Parc des Princes. These two teams will square off in the knockout stage for the first time since the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup semi-final in 1997, when PSG advanced to the final after winning 3-2 on aggregate.

Liverpool haven’t won their past five away games against French opposition in Europe (D2, L3), with their last win being a 2-1 win at Marseille in 2008. However, manager Arne Slot is unbeaten against French sides in Europe.

 

Betting Tip

The Champions League 2025 odds predict a tight affair between PSG and Liverpool. Because they’re in better form and are playing at Parc des Princes, the Parisiens have a slight edge at 2.26, whereas the Reds are at 2.66, and a draw is at 3.53 in the 1X2 market.

Choosing the winner of this contest is tough. But, either way, football fans are in for a treat since we can expect numerous Champions League 2025 highlights from PSG and Liverpool, hence our recommended bet.

Moreover, a Correct Score of 2-1 in favour of the hosts – the result of their most recent encounter – is pegged at 9.00 your bet. Bettors can also go for Over 2.75 at 1.63, Over 3.25 at 2.12, and even Total Goal 4-6 at 2.53 as alternatives.

   

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