The Reds will take on Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg on Tuesday. If they can avoid a loss at Anfield, the home team will qualify for the quarter-finals. Here are the key things to look out for.
1. The Defence Against PSG’s Attack
In the first leg in Paris, the majority of the match was a battle between PSG’s attack and Liverpool’s defense. Last Wednesday, PSG took 27 shots, with 10 of them on target. The main reason Liverpool kept a clean sheet was Alisson Becker. The Brazilian goalkeeper made nine saves that night.
The finishing effort from the Ligue 1 champions was poor. Among their nine shots on target, three were big chances. Despite that, it was complete domination. Luis Enrique's side had more than 400 passes than their opponents, took 14 corners, and recorded an expected goals (xG) of 1.78 compared to Liverpool's 0.27.
It will be interesting to see how different the match will be. One thing is for sure: the setting will be different. The Anfield crowd will not make things easy for PSG. Liverpool will be confident at home, but the fact that they hold the advantage can be tricky. They might question whether to protect their lead, where they might not get as lucky as last week, or try to extend it, which could open opportunities for their opponents.
2. Mohamed Salah's Impact
The Egyptian is having a tremendous season. He has scored 32 goals and provided 22 assists in all competitions so far. However, against PSG, Mohamed Salah had a rare off-game. He managed only five touches inside the opposition’s box.
Salah did not complete a single dribble in Paris that night. He also lost all eight of his ground duels. To make things worse, his replacement, Harvey Elliott, scored the only goal of the match.
Despite that, in the home comforts of Anfield, the crowd will expect Salah to make an impact. His performances this season mean he will once again be a marked man by the PSG defense. At home, he has already scored 13 goals and provided nine assists. PSG will need another big effort to keep him quiet.
3. Arne Slot's Dream Debut Season Prospects
In his first season as Liverpool's boss, Arne Slot is having a wonderful campaign. The Reds are first in the Premier League with a 15-point lead. Next Sunday, they will face Newcastle United in the EFL Cup final.
If Liverpool can avoid defeat on Tuesday, they will qualify for the quarter-finals. At the moment, Aston Villa looks like the favorites to be their opponent. The English side won the first leg of their away tie 3-1 against Club Brugge, putting themselves in the driving seat.
Liverpool have already faced Aston Villa twice in the Premier League this season. They won 2-0 at Anfield in November. In the reverse fixture last month, the match ended 2-2. If Arne Slot’s side can replicate a similar performance, they will make it to the semi-finals. The challenge could be slightly tougher at that stage, but at the business end of the competition, things can get very tricky.