In another clash between heavyweights, Liverpool welcomes Neymar and co. at the Anfield for the first game of the Champions League.
Such is the competition in this season’s Champions League that we have a number of exciting clashes to look forward to in the group stage itself. In group C, yet another group of death, last season’s finalists Liverpool will take on the club hungry for European success – No, not Manchester City, the other one, PSG.
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Just 1⃣day before we make our @ChampionsLeague return! #LFCPSG
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— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) September 17, 2018
When and where to watch the game:
Thanks to UEFA, the fans will be able to watch multiple matches due to two different kick-off times. Liverpool will face PSG at Anfield in the late kick-off at 12:30 AM IST on 19th September. Indians viewers can tune in for the clash on Sony Network or sonyliv.com.
Preview:
Both the teams have completely dominated their domestic leagues so far with 100% winning record in the first five games. As a result, both Liverpool and PSG sit at the top of their respective league tables.
Liverpool beat Tottenham away from home on Saturday to continue their winning streak. Wijnaldum and Firmino were on target as the Reds bagged a 2-1 victory. PSG, on the other hands, strolled past St. Etienne in a convincing 4-0 victory despite the absence of Neymar and Mbappe.
Team Preview:
Despite a 2-1 victory at the Wembley, Firmino’s bizarre injury was a scary sight for both Klopp and Liverpool fans. Klopp is still unsure about the Brazilian’s fitness and has decided to take the call late on Tuesday. If Firmino fails to make it to the squad, Daniel Sturridge is likely to start the game in front of the goal. Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren continue to be on the sidelines due to their injuries.
Layvin Kurzawa is out for a lengthy period for PSG after his back surgery. Dani Alves is also out as he is still recovering from an injury he suffered back in May. The Parisians will be without Marco Verratti in the midfield, as he is suspended due to his red card against Real Madrid last season. And let’s not forget, so is Gigi Buffon, as the Italian bid goodbye to his Champions League chances with Juventus with a red card.
Predicted Line-Ups and Formation:
Liverpool:
Apart from Firmino’s availability, Klopp should have no issues selecting his starting XI. Although, the summer signing, Fabinho is yet to start a game and it looked like the midfielder would be crucial for the Champions League. But after Wijnaldum’s recent performances, Klopp is likely to have a healthy headache during selecting his midfield. One of them will accompany Milner and Keita on Tuesday night. (4-3-3)
Alisson (GK); Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, van Dijk, Robertson; Milner, Wijnaldum, Keita; Salah, Firmino/Sturridge, Mane
PSG:
Areola will be handling the goalkeeping duties in Buffon’s absence. Silva and Kimpembe will be at the heart of the defense with Meunier and Bernat as wing backs. Rabiot and Marquinhos are likely to be the defensive midfielders with a massive of attacking talent ahead of them. Di Maria might get a nod ahead of Draxler on the left wing with Neymar as No. 10 and Mbappe on the right flanks. Cavani, as usual, will be leading the attack. (4-2-3-1)
Areola (GK); Meunier, Thiago Silva, Kimpembe, Bernat; Marquinhos, Rabiot; Di Maria, Mbappe, Neymar; Cavani
Predictions:
It is always difficult to predict a game involving heavyweights like Liverpool and PSG. But with the home advantage and on the back of their recent form, the Reds are favorite to win the first game of the group stage. Whatever the result might be, expect the game to be full of end to end action and a flurry of goals.
