*Match preview and betting tips provided by SVB Tips
LIVERPOOL: Only One Home Defeat This Season
The result of the first leg in Paris was widely regarded as one of the most unfair outcomes in Champions League history. Despite being dominated by PSG in almost every department, Liverpool managed to pull off a remarkable 1-0 victory at the Parc des Princes. PSG had 65% possession, a staggering 28-2 shot count, 9 shots on target to Liverpool’s 1, with Alisson Becker keeping all nine attempts out with arguably his best ever display in the Liverpool goal.
All that said, great teams still find ways to win, and it was Harvey Elliott’s late goal, following his substitution for Mohamed Salah, that sealed the victory for Liverpool.
At home, Liverpool have been nearly invincible this season, suffering only one loss, to Nottingham Forest (0-1) back in September, and they remain the best home team in the Premier League. In the Champions League, they’ve won all four of their home matches, conceding just one goal in a 2-1 victory against Lille. Only two of these four home games featured more than 2.5 goals, with notable results including a 4-0 win over Leverkusen and a 2-1 win against Lille.
Their 3-1 victory over Southampton on Saturday brought the Premier League title one step closer, and for the PSG clash, Liverpool have just three injury concerns – Conor Bradley, Joe Gomez, and Tyler Morton. The only doubt remains whether Cody Gakpo will start, with Diogo Jota a potential replacement in the starting lineup.
PSG: 11 Wins in Last 12 Matches
PSG are also closing in on the Ligue 1 title, and after a slow start to the season, things have improved significantly for Luis Enrique's side. In their last 12 matches, PSG have earned 11 victories, scoring 44 goals, with their only loss being the 0-1 defeat to Liverpool in the first leg. In their latest league match, Enrique rested a few key players, and PSG comfortably triumphed 4-1 over Rennes, controlling the game with 68% possession.
However, PSG's away form in the Champions League has not been as strong this season, with defeats to Arsenal (0-2) and Bayern Munich (1-0), only recovering with wins over weaker opponents, including a 3-0 victory over RB Salzburg and a 4-1 triumph over VfB Stuttgart.
In the play-off round, PSG won comfortably, 3-0, against Brest, showcasing their strong form. For the upcoming match against Liverpool, PSG have no injuries and will have a full squad available. The only previous encounter at Anfield between the two sides saw Liverpool win 3-2 in 2018.
Betting Suggestions:
- Liverpool to Win: Liverpool have shown resilience in the Champions League at home, and with their excellent home record this season, they appear to have the edge.
- Over 2.5 Goals: With both teams being capable of scoring heavily and the first leg being tightly contested, this could be more open to produce a more high-scoring affair.