First Leg, Big Questions

Paris Saint-Germain host Liverpool at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night in the first leg of their CL quarter-final. The two sides met in Europe last season, where both managed away wins before PSG eventually progressed on penalties.

Match Analysis

This is one of those ties where timing matters just as much as quality.

PSG come into it in a good place. Results have been strong, performances have followed, and they look far more settled now than earlier in the season. Their run through the last round showed that clearly, especially at home where they tend to play with a bit more freedom.

There’s also a pattern developing in Paris — games open up quickly, and once they do, PSG usually have the players to take advantage.

Liverpool’s build-up has been less convincing. The heavy defeat to Manchester City before the international break raised a few eyebrows, not just because of the scoreline but how the game got away from them. It’s not the first time they’ve looked vulnerable away from home either.

That said, European nights tend to bring something different out of them. Even when performances dip domestically, they’ve still found ways through in this competition, and their second-leg win over Galatasaray was a reminder of that.

The issue is that this is the first leg, and it’s in Paris.

Recent meetings between these sides haven’t left much between them. Last season’s tie swung both ways before being settled on penalties, and there’s every chance this one stays tight across the two legs as well.

But in terms of how this first game shapes up, PSG look the more stable side right now, especially on their own ground.

Team News

PSG are without Fabian Ruiz and Quentin Ndjantou, while Bradley Barcola is also expected to miss out. Senny Mayulu has returned to training, but it remains to be seen how involved he will be.

In attack, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Démbelé are expected to feature prominently once again.

Liverpool travel without Alisson Becker, Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni and Wataru Endo. Alexander Isak has stepped up his recovery but is unlikely to start.

There is better news further forward, where Mohamed Salah is back available, with Szoboszlai and Wirtz continuing to provide support behind the striker.

Odds and Tips

There’s a noticeable difference in momentum between the two sides coming into this one.

PSG have looked sharp in recent weeks, particularly at home where they don’t tend to sit back and wait. They usually get on the front foot early, and that can make things uncomfortable quite quickly for visiting teams.

Liverpool haven’t quite had that same control away from Anfield. The loss to City is still fresh, and it wasn’t just the result — it was how easily the game slipped away once it turned.

They’re still capable of creating chances, especially with Salah back, but this feels like a tough place to try and steady things.

Tip: PSG win at 1.75.

Please note that the odds might have changed since the writing and/or publication of this article.
Last updated: 07.04.26