By Karl Matchett
Immovable object beat the unstoppable pressure – however Reds require extra
Alisson Becker put in what even he described because the efficiency of his life within the first leg on the Parc des Princes, making 9 saves together with some spectacular and unbelievable ones. Past the stat although was the timing and placement of his handiwork: if he couldn’t get the ball out for a nook, his parrying ensured nothing dropped in harmful areas to PSG shirts and he was dominant aerially too.
PSG have scored 25 objectives of their final 5 matches, excluding that last-16 first leg tie, however the mixed forces of Ousmane Dembélé (eight pictures) Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (5), Bradley Barcola (three) and the remainder (11) merely had no reply to Alisson…or the offside flag, on one event.
Whether or not Alisson can replicate that efficiency per week later will not be actually the query; as an alternative it’s extra about can PSG provide up one thing totally different and can Liverpool provide up one thing extra? After one purposeful try – Harvey Elliott’s objective – they definitely ought to do, however current first-half showings particularly are trigger for concern.
Anfield has by no means been a spot to look after numbers
You’ll likely have heard the phrase European nights at Anfield thrown round through the years, and that’s as a result of it’s, unquestionably, a factor.
Higher groups than PSG have come unstuck there. Far worse sides than this iteration of the Reds have seen their efficiency ranges improve considerably. And, after all, first-leg scorelines that are much more tilted towards Liverpool than this one will begin as, have been overcome.
The event, the ambiance and the expectation of greatness will all play into what occurs, and the outcomes don’t all the time should comply with what the numbers of the sport counsel must be the case.
Latest kind
Liverpool’s first third of the season was much more relentless than the center third was, however they appear again on observe in outcomes phrases – 4 straight wins in all competitions and their two defeats within the final 16 each got here with closely rotated reserve sides. At dwelling, they’re unbeaten in all competitions since 14 September. PSG have all of it to do then, however of their final dozen, they’ve received 11 – simply that dwelling defeat to Liverpool blemishes their late-season kind. The French champions have nonetheless but to endure a loss in Ligue 1 this season.
Workforce information
PSG must be at full power with no absentees, whereas Liverpool are prone to see an unchanged squad with simply Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley absent. Cody Gakpo stays a doubt however may see bench obligation.
Key participant
Alexis Mac Allister. There aren’t many all-rounders like him: high quarter or so of midfielders for all of pictures, touches, defensive actions, possibilities created and objectives.
Prediction
It’s onerous to see PSG failing to attain once more, however likewise the Reds are near-perfect on their very own pitch. A detailed-fought tie however that late first-leg objective will show key: Liverpool 1 PSG 1 (2-1 agg).
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
You may comply with each sport from the Champions League with FotMob this season — that includes deep stats protection, xG, participant scores, and a brand new super-intuitive knockout stage bracket. Obtain the free app right here.