Premier League leaders Liverpool will be in action tonight in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg, taking on French champions Paris Saint-Germain in Paris. The two sides have faced each other before, with each claiming a victory in past encounters. The return leg is set for next Tuesday at Anfield.
Both Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain currently lead their respective domestic leagues. With Mohamed Salah and Ousmane Dembélé in top form, they boast two of the most in-form players in Europe at the moment. Both clubs will have ambitions of going all the way in the competition this season.
Liverpool were the standout team in the league phase of the revamped Champions League group stage. They topped the table with 21 points, winning seven of their eight matches. In domestic competitions, they were knocked out of the FA Cup but have reached the EFL Cup final. With a commanding 13-point lead in the Premier League, they look on course to lift the title at the end of the season.
Despite this being Arne Slot's first season as Liverpool manager, he has done an excellent job. In the league, they have only lost once and are currently on a 24-match unbeaten run. Cody Gakpo missing Tuesday's training session will be a concern, but Liverpool have the squad depth to compensate for his potential absence.
Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain, the three-time defending Ligue 1 champions, also hold a 13-point lead at the top of their domestic league. They are unbeaten in 22 matches and have won their last 10 games. However, mixed form earlier in the campaign forced them into the playoffs to secure their place in the Round of 16. In the playoffs, they dismantled fellow French club Brest with a dominant 10-0 aggregate victory, with Ousmane Dembélé’s recent form playing a key role in their resurgence.
Liverpool are not afraid to take the game to their opponents, excelling in transition with their dynamic attacking play. Under Slot, the players have elevated their performances, and despite contract uncertainties surrounding key players, he has ensured that such issues do not affect the team’s focus.
The two ties are sandwiched between a home fixture against bottom-side Southampton in the Premier League for Liverpool. That, along with the second leg being at Anfield, gives them an added advantage. Slot will be hoping his side can gain an upper hand tonight and secure qualification in front of their vocal home crowd next week.