Opening their UEFA Champions League campaigns with a battle of the behemoths, English giants Liverpool will play host this Tuesday night to the visiting and defending French Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain. Considering the history and talent of both clubs, this match looks set to definitely kick off the Champions League group stage with a bang.
Giants Collide as Liverpool Host PSG in Champions League Opener
Record-Breaking Thomas Tuchel Leads Dominant Paris Saint-Germain
Having opened the 2017/18 season in dominating fashion, Paris Saint-Germain have been unstoppable so far this campaign. While this strong run of play is undoubtedly down to the strength and talent of the players on the pitch, one can also argue that the addition of Thomas Tuchel at manager has also had a big effect on this club.
In fact, Tuchel has already set a managerial record for PSG, becoming the first manager in the club’s history to win all of their first six competitive fixtures in charge of the club. Defeating rival’s AS Monaco to win the season-opening Trophée des Champions, Tuchel has also led PSG to victory in the club’s first five matches of the Ligue 1 season.
Included in this is the fact that Paris Saint-Germain have managed to score at least three goals in every competitive match that they have played this season. Another factor that should play into the French club’s favour is the fact that they have seen nine different players score for the club so far this season, an amazing number that proves that this PSG is an extremely dangerous one, no matter who is on the pitch.
Liverpool Look to Repeat Last Season’s Champions League Success
Repeat? No. Improvement is what Liverpool will be looking for this year. Returning to the Champions League group stage following their runner-up finish in the competition last season, the Reds return to continental competition with a chip on their shoulders.
Having reached the Champions League final last season, Liverpool will look to get their continental campaign off to a hot start this year. However, while Liverpool do enter the match with five wins from five Premier League matches, none of the club’s early opponents match or even come close to the quality of PSG.
Making matters potentially worse for Liverpool is the overall strength of the group that they have been drawn in. While Red Star Belgrade should not provide much of an issue, a loss in this match will set the Reds up for a major faceoff against Italian side Napoli later on in the group stage.
Key Players
Five-in-Five Neymar Must Continue Hot Start to Campaign
Appearing in five of PSG’s opening six matches, Brazilian superstar Neymar has had an incredibly hot start to the campaign. Scoring five goals in five matches for the French champions, Neymar has been a key cog in the Paris Saint-Germain attack to begin the season and has yet to show any signs of slowing his pace.
Benefiting Neymar will also be the fact that he was given a rest in the club’s most recent match against Saint-Étienne. With fresh legs under him and a huge match in front of him, Neymar has been given the perfect platform to not only lead his side to victory but also prove his case for being named the best player in the world.
Also of note in this match could be United States international sensation, Timothy Weah. Having already made three appearances this season for PSG, the young American has two goals to his name, having scored in both PSG’s Ligue 1 opener as well as the club’s Trophée des Champions victory over rivals AS Monaco. While Weah has not been involved much as of late, he could easily become a key piece in the French side’s Champions League campaign.
Salah and Mane Key to Liverpool’s Champions League Hopes
Like their opponents in PSG, Liverpool can also thank their attacking players for their hot start to the campaign. Opening their campaign with five wins in five matches, Liverpool’s presence on the pitch this season feels and looks like something that hasn’t been seen in a long time from the Anfield-based club.
Part of that feeling is undoubtedly thanks to the attacking duo of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane. Combining to score five of Liverpool’s Premier League goals this season, the attacking duo have become major playmakers for the Reds. Because of their impact on the side, the duo will be looked toward to lead Liverpool to victory not only in the league this season but also in the Champions League.
While PSG should present Liverpool’s toughest challenge to date this season, one has to wonder just how the French club will structure their defence in this match. With Mane and Salah both possessing extreme pace and a nose for goal, PSG could be in for a long match, especially with the sold-out crowd at Anfield pushing their team forward in this match.
Prediction
A battle of the giants is truly a phrase to describe this match. Two of the biggest and most expensive clubs in all of football, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain is the type of match you expect to see in the Champions League final. Instead, though, we are blessed to have this amazing pairing faceoff on the first matchday of the competition’s group stage.
An extremely tough match to call on paper, Liverpool should receive a boost from the crowd at Anfield. However, despite having the home team advantage, Paris Saint-Germain have the look of a top quality team. With so many potential goal-scorers, PSG should take points from this match and may even find a way to take the full three points back to Paris with them.
Prediction: Liverpool 3-3 Paris Saint-Germain
Main Photo
