Liverpool face a formidable challenge this evening as they travel to the French capital to take on reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final. The match, kicking off at 8pm BST and broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 and HBO Max, represents a critical juncture in the Reds' season.
Recent History Favours the French Giants
The two sides have a storied history in European competition, having met on six previous occasions with each team securing three victories. However, PSG hold the psychological edge in two-legged ties, having triumphed 3-2 on aggregate in the 1996/97 Cup Winners' Cup semi-finals and, more recently, eliminating Liverpool on penalties in last season's Champions League last 16.
That previous encounter saw Harvey Elliott score a dramatic 87th-minute winner for Liverpool at the Parc des Princes, only for Ousmane Dembele to level the tie a week later. PSG eventually prevailed 4-1 in the shootout before going on to lift the trophy for the first time, defeating Aston Villa, Arsenal, and Inter Milan in the final stages.
Current Form and Stakes
Arne Slot's Liverpool side arrive in Paris reeling from a 4-0 FA Cup thrashing at the hands of Manchester City last Saturday. With the Champions League now representing their only remaining chance for silverware this season—and a potential route into next year's competition—the pressure is immense. The Reds have managed just one win in their last seven matches across all competitions and languish in fifth place in the Premier League, a staggering 21 points behind leaders Arsenal.
In stark contrast, PSG are in commanding form domestically, sitting four points clear at the top of Ligue 1 with a game in hand. Since the beginning of December, the French champions have suffered only four defeats, winning 15 matches including an emphatic 8-2 aggregate victory over Chelsea in the previous Champions League round.
Betting Predictions and Key Players
Football betting sites currently price PSG at 6/1 to retain their Champions League crown, with Liverpool available at 11/1. For tonight's encounter, several intriguing markets are available.
Prediction 1: A Narrow PSG Victory
Given PSG's formidable home record against English opposition—they have won four and drawn one of their last five such encounters—and Liverpool's recent defensive frailties, a narrow home win appears likely. Boyle Sports offers 14/5 on PSG to win by exactly one goal.
Prediction 2: Szoboszlai to Make an Impact
Dominik Szoboszlai has been a rare bright spot in Liverpool's challenging season, contributing five goals and four assists in the Champions League alone. Following controversial comments to the press and behaviour towards fans over the weekend, the Hungarian midfielder has a point to prove. William Hill offers 11/4 on Szoboszlai to either score or assist during the match.
Team News and Predicted Lineups
PSG will be without the injured trio of Bradley Barcola (sprained ankle), Fabian Ruiz, and Quentin Ndjantou, though Senny Mayulu has returned to training following a calf issue.
For Liverpool, there is a glimmer of hope as Alexander Isak could be fit enough for a place on the bench after over three months out with a broken leg. However, Alisson Becker, Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, and Wataru Endo are all confirmed absentees.
Expected Starting Elevens
PSG predicted lineup: Safonov; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Neves; Doue, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia.
Liverpool predicted lineup: Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Ekitike.
Betting Offers and Responsible Gambling
New customers with Paddy Power can access enhanced odds of 50/1 for a PSG win or 80/1 for a Liverpool victory by using the promotional code YFBDGJ. This requires a £5 deposit and a maximum £1 cash bet on either outcome before kick-off.
It is vital to practice responsible gambling. Betting should be treated as entertainment, not a way to make money. Never bet more than you can afford to lose, and utilise the tools provided by gambling sites, such as deposit limits and self-exclusion options. If you need help or advice regarding gambling addiction, organisations like GambleAware, Gamblers Anonymous, and the NHS offer support.
All odds and offers are correct at the time of publication but are subject to change. Terms and conditions apply.
