PSG, Liverpool set for Champions League showdown.

The UEFA Champions League first-leg quarter-final match, Paris Saint-Germain F.C. vs Liverpool F.C., begins at 20:00 [GMT+1] on Wednesday, April 8, at Parc des Princes. José María Sánchez [ESP] will be the referee for this match, while Carlos del Cerro Grande [ESP] will be the VAR.

PSG arrive in high spirits [LWWWW] after strengthening their position at the top of Ligue 1 with a 3-1 victory over Toulouse on Friday night, a result that opened up a four-point lead at the summit. With their upcoming domestic fixture against Lens postponed to ensure full focus on this encounter, Luis Enrique’s side have had the luxury of preparing solely for this huge European test. The Parisians also come into the contest with confidence after dismantling Chelsea 8-2 on aggregate in the last 16, eliminating English opposition from the competition for the second round in succession. Their current UCL form is equally impressive, with PSG unbeaten in their last seven knockout matches [7W, 1D, 0L]. Another positive result here would see them equal the record for the longest unbeaten run by a French club in the knockout stages of the competition. However, history offers a subtle warning. In four of the last five UCL campaigns, the defending champions from the previous season have been eliminated at the quarter-final stage, a trend the Parisians will be eager to avoid continuing. Interestingly, both meetings between these sides in last season’s round of 16 ended in narrow 1-0 away victories. Enrique will have to cope without several players for the tie, as Fabián Ruiz, Quentin Ndjantou, Senny Mayulu and Bradley Barcola are all unavailable. A 4—3—3 formation with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé in attack is expected against the Reds.

Liverpool [LDWLL] suffered a crushing 4-0 defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals, a setback that ended their hopes in that competition and piled pressure on their UCL campaign. For manager Arne Slot, Europe now represents Liverpool’s final opportunity to secure silverware this season. Despite their recent domestic disappointment, the Merseyside side have shown strong form in Europe of late. They have won four of their last five UCL matches [4W, 0D, 1L1], including a commanding 4-0 victory at Anfield that secured their progression past Galatasaray in the previous round. However, the visitors travel with several injury concerns. Stefan Bajčetić, Alisson Becker, Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni and Wataru Endo are all unavailable for selection. A 4—2—3—1 formation with Hugo Ekitike in attack is expected against PSG.