Arne Slot’s out-of-form Liverpool team head to the French capital to take on Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their quarterfinal match-up.
Mohamed Salah paid the price for Liverpool’s 4-0 FA Cup defeat at Manchester City on Saturday by being dropped from Slot’s starting XI for the match in Paris.
Alexander Isak was named on the bench for the first time since fracturing his leg in December.
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Almost one year on from masterminding Liverpool’s Premier League title triumph, Slot is facing growing unrest from the usually loyal Liverpool fanbase, with some — including Jamie Carragher — saying he has to go if Liverpool do not qualify for the Champions League next season.
The Reds are fifth in the table but without a win in three league games. However, their hopes have been boosted by the fact it has been confirmed that five Premier League teams will automatically qualify for the Champions League next season because of England‘s coefficient.
A seventh Champions League title would not only solidify Slot’s position as manager, but it would also guarantee a spot in Europe’s elite club competition next season.
Meanwhile, PSG are on a four-game winning streak that has finally seen them take full control of the Ligue 1 title race.
If that wasn’t daunting enough, PSG have progressed from each of their last four Champions League quarterfinal ties, and the holders are on a seven-game unbeaten run against English teams in the competition (W5, D2).
