Liverpool vs. Paris Saint-Germain
- What: Champions League group C match-day one
- When: Tuesday 18 September
- Where: Anfield, Liverpool
- Kick-off time: 8pm (UK time)
- TV channel: BT Sport 2
Liverpool’s Anfield stadium is renowned for its atmosphere on European football nights and the Champions League match against French giants Paris Saint-Germain promises to be another memorable occasion.
As The Independent notes, the group C fixture is a “clash of two Champions League contenders with plenty still to prove”.
Last season Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool reached the Champions League final, where they lost 3-1 to Real Madrid. The Reds kick off their new campaign against a star-studded PSG side that includes Brazil’s Neymar and French World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe.
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Liverpool are five-time winners of Europe’s elite club competition, but the London Evening Standard insists they must “shed the ‘nearly men’ tag” and “prove their trophy-winning credentials” against PSG.
With Neymar and Mbappe in their ranks, Klopp believes PSG are “one of the favourites for the competition”. Yet despite their big spending, the French side are yet to win the Champions League.
The Liverpool boss told the BBC: “This team is built for winning the Champions League. They have unbelievable quality.
“I have said it before, I like these challenges, but I only like it because I have a really good football team. If I was not a manager, I would watch this game.
“We play at Anfield and it can be an advantage. We hope we can use that. We need any help we can get.”
PSG coach Thomas Tuchel rested Neymar and Mbappe for the 4-0 win against St Etienne in Ligue 1 at the weekend, and is looking forward to the group C opener at Anfield. Tuchel said: “It was a good rehearsal, good for the confidence ahead of Tuesday’s match in Anfield against Liverpool. It will be a big test for us, but we are confident.”
Tuesday’s other group C clash is Red Star Belgrade vs. Napoli (8pm).
Liverpool vs. PSG team news
Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino was taken off in the 2-1 win against Tottenham on Saturday, because of an eye injury. Goal.com reports that Reds boss Klopp will make a late fitness call on the Brazilian forward. Should Firmino miss the PSG match then he could be replaced by Daniel Sturridge.
Klopp also revealed that strikers Dominic Solanke and Divock Origi are set to be ruled out because of minor injuries sustained while playing for the Under-23s against Swansea City.
PSG rested Neymar and Kylian Mbappe for their last Ligue 1 match so that the striking duo will be 100% ready for Anfield.
Predicted starting XIs
How the teams could line up at Anfield according to Sports Mole.
- Liverpool possible starting XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Milner, Henderson, Keita; Salah, Firmino, Mane
- PSG possible starting XIs: Areola; Meunier, Silva, Marquinhos, Bernat; Verratti, Diarra, Rabiot; Mbappe, Cavani, Neymar
Group C matchday one fixtures
Tuesday 18 September
- Red Star Belgrade vs. Napoli (8pm)
- Liverpool vs. Paris Saint Germain (8pm)
How to watch on TV
The group C clash between Liverpool and PSG will be shown live on BT Sport 2. Red Star Belgrade vs. Napoli is live on BT Sport Extra 3.
