Report: Liverpool’s key selection issues for PSG clash at Anfield | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Lineup Dilemma Ahead of PSG Clash at Anfield

Liverpool head into the second leg of their Champions League tie against PSG with a 1-0 advantage, but questions remain over Arne Slot’s lineup for this crucial encounter. On the latest episode of The Media Matters Podcast on Anfield Index, Dave Davis and David Lynch discussed the key selection issues facing Liverpool and whether Slot will alter his approach after the first leg.

Midfield Rotation and Tactical Approach

Liverpool’s midfield setup will be one of the most significant decisions for Slot, especially after the rotation seen in the Premier League win against Southampton. “A lot of the midfielders only played 45 minutes, didn’t they?” Davis observed, hinting that this could indicate Slot’s plans for PSG’s visit to Anfield.

The discussion focused on whether Liverpool should deploy four midfielders to gain control or revert to a three-man midfield with a traditional front three. “I think it’s really, really tough to say, to be honest,” Lynch admitted. “He will know that it depends, doesn’t it, on what he thinks was the most influential factor in Liverpool’s performance over there.”

Lynch highlighted how PSG dominated possession in the first leg, making it difficult for Liverpool to implement their usual pressing game. “Does he think that tactically he could have changed things at the start and that would have been the better thing?” he asked. The decision will likely hinge on whether Slot believes that Liverpool need to be more aggressive from the start or focus on containment.

Attacking Selection: Nunez or Jota?

One of the biggest talking points is who starts up front alongside Mohamed Salah and Luis Díaz. Darwin Nunez was ineffective in the first leg, struggling against PSG’s man-to-man marking system. “It just didn’t look at any point like a game for Jota in the first leg,” Lynch commented. “Now, are Liverpool going to have more of the ball? Are they going to have more of the ball on the deck?

Photo IMAGO

Davis pointed out that Liverpool need to consider how PSG will set up and whether the game will suit a traditional finisher like Diogo Jota or a more physical presence like Nunez. “If you’re pushing PSG back and you’ve got possession, you need someone who’s going to put the chance away nine times out of ten,” he said, implying that Jota could be the better choice if Liverpool expect to dominate the game.

On the other hand, if Liverpool anticipate a high-pressing PSG side, then Nunez’s pace and ability to stretch the defence could be invaluable. “If it’s going to be a case that they will turn up and play well and press you really hard again, then it has to be Darwin Nunez,” Lynch stated.

Photo: IMAGO

Defensive Concerns and Key Battles

While much of the focus is on Liverpool’s attack, defensive stability will be crucial in stopping PSG’s high-paced counter-attacks. The first leg in Paris saw Liverpool struggle to contain PSG’s wide players, and Arne Slot may have to tweak his setup.

PSG’s Luis Enrique has already signalled his intent to go on the offensive. Davis referenced Enrique’s comments in the pre-match press conference, stating, “He rested a few for Lille because someone talked about a bit of anxiety, or he felt a sense of nerves, which he said he wasn’t happy with at all.”

Photo IMAGO

PSG’s tactical approach will also determine whether Liverpool stick with their preferred defensive pairing or look for more solidity. “Liverpool are in a good position being one-nil up, but you don’t want to give PSG any encouragement or impetus,” Lynch warned. “If Liverpool start the game well and can get themselves one-nil up, then they’ve almost decided the tie already.”

Anfield Factor and Psychological Edge

Much of the French media’s reaction to the first leg has been filled with confidence about PSG turning the tie around. But as Lynch noted, many of their comments echo previous statements from teams who have come unstuck at Anfield. “I’ve seen a lot of the talk from the French side of things over the last few days, and I just think it’s staggering,” he said.

He compared PSG’s attitude to Real Madrid’s infamous pre-match headline from Marca before their Champions League visit to Anfield in 2009, a match that ended in a thumping Liverpool win. “Some stuff that’s getting close to that really, in terms of just the arrogance about it,” Lynch added.

Ultimately, Anfield’s atmosphere could be the decisive factor in this tie. “When the reality hits them and that roar comes, and Liverpool are just working with the crowd together and flying all over them, I think they’re in for a really nasty surprise,” Lynch stated.

If PSG fail to handle the intensity, Liverpool could punish them early and kill the tie. “If PSG come and they play like they did in the first leg, then wow, they should be favourites for the trophy if they can go on and get a win in that manner,” Lynch admitted. “But I think Anfield’s going to be the big leveller.”

With Liverpool on the brink of a quarter-final spot, Arne Slot’s lineup decisions could be the key to seeing them through. Whether it’s Jota or Nunez leading the line, three or four midfielders, or a defensive tweak to counter PSG’s threat, one thing is certain—Anfield under the lights remains one of football’s greatest tests.