Alexander Isak is fit for only the bench for Liverpool, and while a significant response is required from Arne Slot‘s side, he may only make one change to his starting lineup.
Liverpool hit a new low over the weekend as players conceded they all but gave up against Man City, highlighting the significant drop-off in standards and expectations.
A matchup against Paris Saint-Germain now feels as though another blowout is to come, despite the Reds having the quality that could test the French side for a place in the semi-final.
Although changes are more than warranted after the showing at the Etihad, Slot could yet make only one, or two at most, at the Parc des Princes.
Predicted Liverpool XI vs. PSG
Irrespective of what side Slot names, there has to be accountability from those involved and a clear indication that they care and want to leave everything on the pitch.
Mamardashvili retains his place with Alisson still sidelined, and after Slot hinted Joe Gomez was substituted at City with Wednesday in mind, he could remain at right-back.
The defence, therefore, would remain unchanged. That would leave the possibility of only a single change, with Alexis Mac Allister coming in for Curtis Jones.
Dominik Szoboszlai, Mo Salah, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike would then have the task of making any opportunities Liverpool create count:
Mamardashvili; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Ekitike
Liverpool’s alternative XI options vs. PSG
If Slot were to go another direction, he has a few options to turn to in a bid to ensure his side take a scoreline they can work with back to Anfield.
From the most likely to the least likely:
• Frimpong returns at right-back in place of Gomez
• Cody Gakpo starts on the left wing, Szoboszlai shifts to right-back to accommodate
• Frimpong starts on the right wing, taking Mo Salah‘s place
• Andy Robertson replaces Milos Kerkez for leadership and experience
• Play five at the back with Frimpong and Kerkez as the wing backs
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You can only hope confidence inside Liverpool’s dressing room is greater than the supporter base heading into the match, though the manner of the latest defeat leaves little belief.
It is, however, a Champions League quarter-final, and if there is any time to muster a performance, it is now. Into these, Reds. Please.