Preview, team news, head‑to‑head, probable line‑ups, tactical analysis and where to watch PSG vs Liverpool in Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg
Paris Saint-Germain welcome Liverpool to the Parc des Princes for a blockbuster Champions League quarter-final first leg that is set to take place in the French capital this Wednesday at 21:00 CEST (20:00 BST / 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT).
PSG enter this tie in solid form, while Arne Slot’s Liverpool arrive in Paris seeking a massive response after a demoralising 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday.
PSG famously eliminated the Reds in last season’s round of 16, triumphing on penalties at Anfield to end Liverpool’s continental campaign.
While Luis Enrique’s side have enjoyed a strong run, including a big 8-2 aggregate win over Chelsea in the previous round, Liverpool’s domestic struggles have left the Champions League as their only remaining path to silverware this season.
Team news & injury updates
PSG
Luis Enrique is dealing with several notable absences in his midfield and attacking ranks. Bradley Barcola, a standout performer in the round of 16, is a major doubt and midfielder Fabián Ruiz is officially ruled out with a knee problem. Additionally, young forward Quentin Ndjantou is sidelined with a hamstring issue. On a more positive note, Achraf Hakimi is expected to return to the starting line-up following a brief absence.
Liverpool
The Reds receive a significant boost with the expected return of Alexander Isak to the matchday squad following a three-and-half-month lay-off with a fractured fibula. However, a starting role may come too soon for the forward. Alisson Becker is officially ruled out, meaning Giorgi Mamardashvili will continue in goal, while Conor Bradley and Wataru Endo are both unavailable.
Head-to-head (H2H) record
Historically, the two sides have been remarkably competitive, with PSG holding a slight recent edge following their penalty shootout success at Anfield in March 2025. No draw has been recorded during their Champions League encounters, highlighting the attacking philosophy shared by both clubs.
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Last 5 meetings:
- 11/03/2025: Liverpool 0-1 PSG (UCL Round of 16 – PSG won on pens)
- 05/03/2025: PSG 0-1 Liverpool (UCL Round of 16)
- 28/11/2018: PSG 2-1 Liverpool (UCL Group Stage)
- 18/09/2018: Liverpool 3-2 PSG (UCL Group Stage)
- 24/04/1997: Liverpool 2-0 PSG (Cup Winners’ Cup)
Probable line-ups
| Position | PSG Predicted XI | Liverpool Predicted XI |
| Goalkeeper | Safonov | Mamardashvili |
| Defence | Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes | Szoboszlai, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez |
| Midfield | Zaïre-Emery, Vitinha, Neves | Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Wirtz |
| Attack | Doué, Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia | Salah, Ekitiké, Gakpo |
Tactical analysis: how the game will be won
Positional dominance vs vertical threat
Luis Enrique has transformed PSG into a side that prizes control, using Vitinha to dictate the tempo and drag opponents out of position. Liverpool, however, will likely abandon the expansive style that left them vulnerable against Manchester City, opting instead for a more compact shape and looking to unleash Mohamed Salah on the counter-attack.
Manager insight
Luis Enrique may have warned his side against complacency, as Liverpool’s wounded-animal status makes them more dangerous in a knockout environment. For Arne Slot, the objective is simple: rediscover defensive solidity.
The Reds have struggled to maintain a clean sheet away from home in 2026, and against a PSG side that has scored seven goals in their last three European home games, any lapse in concentration could prove fatal before the return leg at Anfield.
Where to watch PSG vs Liverpool
The match kicks off on Wednesday at 21:00 CEST from the Parc des Princes. In the United Kingdom, football fans can follow the action live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage typically beginning at 19:00 BST to provide comprehensive pre-match analysis. Kick-off for viewers in the UK is scheduled for 20:00 BST.
Across the Atlantic, fans in the United States have multiple viewing platforms for this quarter-final encounter. English-language coverage is provided by CBS, with the match streaming live on Paramount+. The match is set to begin at 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT, ensuring fans across the US can witness this pivotal first-leg clash.
Market insights & probability
According to current market data, PSG enter the first leg as the favourites with a 53% win probability, a reflection of their status as holders and Liverpool’s recent defensive struggles. The chances of a Liverpool victory in Paris are valued at 26%, while the draw – a result yet to be seen in the Champions League history of this fixture – sits at 21%. Betting trends suggest a high probability of goals, as both teams have been prolific throughout the earlier rounds.