PSG vs Liverpool: Champions League 2025 Round of 16 Preview, Team News, Key Facts, Players to Watch, and Predictions

 

Get ready, football fans—the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 is serving up a mouthwatering clash as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) hosts Liverpool on Wednesday, March 5, 2025! This first-leg blockbuster at Parc des Princes pits two European heavyweights against each other in a tie that could define their seasons. PSG are flying high after a stunning playoff romp, while Liverpool, the league-phase toppers, are out to prove their mettle. Whether you’re chanting "Allez Paris" or "You’ll Never Walk Alone," this PSG vs Liverpool preview has everything you need—team news, key stats, players to watch, kickoff details, and our predictions. Let’s dive into the action!

Kickoff Details: When and Where to Watch

Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Time: 8:00 PM GMT (9:00 PM CET, 3:00 PM EST)

Venue: Parc des Princes, Paris, France

Broadcast: UK viewers can tune into TNT Sports 1 (coverage from 7:00 PM GMT) or stream on Discovery+. In the USA, it’s on Paramount+ and CBS Sports Network (Fubo also streams live). Indian fans can watch on Sony Sports Network or Sony LIV. Check local listings for other regions!

Grab your snacks, and don’t miss this Champions League thriller—kickoff is just hours away!

Match Preview: A Titanic Clash in Paris

PSG vs Liverpool isn’t just a game—it’s a spectacle. The Ligue 1 leaders are in red-hot form, unbeaten in 22 matches across all competitions, including a jaw-dropping 10-0 aggregate demolition of Brest in the Champions League playoffs. Luis Enrique’s side has turned doubters into believers, with their 4-2 league-phase win over Manchester City signaling a new era of confidence. But here comes Liverpool, the Premier League pacesetters who topped the Champions League table with seven wins in eight games. Arne Slot’s Reds are a counterattacking juggernaut, blending flair with steel. Can PSG’s attacking verve crack Liverpool’s defense, or will the Reds take a vital lead back to Anfield? This one’s going to be epic!

Photo by Antonio Borga/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images

Team News: Who’s Ready, Who’s Out?

PSG: Luis Enrique has a near-full-strength squad to pick from—no major injuries or suspensions reported after their latest Ligue 1 win over Lille. Warren Zaire-Emery is back in contention, while stars like Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Bradley Barcola are expected to start in a fearsome front three. Vitinha and Achraf Hakimi should return after being rested, giving PSG a dynamic edge. The only question is whether Enrique tweaks his lineup to counter Liverpool’s pace.

Liverpool: Arne Slot has some injury headaches. Cody Gakpo is a major doubt after feeling pain blocking a shot in training—he traveled to Paris, but it’s a “close call,” per Slot. Long-term absentees Conor Bradley (hamstring), Joe Gomez (hamstring), and Tyler Morton (shoulder) are out, while 18-year-old Amara Nallo is suspended after a red card against PSV. Diogo Jota could lead the line if Gakpo misses out, with Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah raring to go. The Reds’ depth will be tested, but their spirit remains unbroken.

Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images

Key Facts: The Stats That Set the Stage

Head-to-Head: This is the third Champions League meeting between PSG and Liverpool. The Reds won 3-2 at Anfield in 2018, while PSG took a 2-1 victory in Paris—expect goals!

PSG’s Hot Streak: The Parisians have won their last five Champions League games, scoring 21 goals and conceding just three. Their 10-0 playoff rout of Brest was the biggest aggregate win without conceding in UCL knockout history.

Liverpool’s Away Woes: The Reds haven’t won in their last five European away games against French sides (D2, L3), with their last victory in Marseille in 2008 (2-1).

Milestone Alert: PSG’s Marquinhos could make his 100th Champions League start, joining an elite Brazilian club. Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has 20 knockout-stage goal involvements (12 goals, 8 assists)—the most by an African player.

Form Guide: PSG: W-W-W-W-W; Liverpool: W-D-W-W-L (across all competitions). Both teams are peaking at the right time!

Players to Watch: The Game-Changers

Ousmane Dembele (PSG): The French forward is on fire, with six goals in his last four Champions League games and 26 goals in 33 matches this season. His speed and finishing could torment Liverpool’s backline.

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool): The Egyptian king has 30 goal involvements across all competitions in 2024-25. Facing PSG’s deep block, his creativity and clutch moments will be key.

Achraf Hakimi (PSG): The right-back leads all Champions League defenders with 12 chances created and four assists under pressure. His overlaps could stretch Liverpool thin.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool): Averaging 13.9 line-breaking passes per 90, Trent’s vision could unlock PSG’s defense—if he survives their press.

Predictions: What’s Going to Happen?

This PSG vs Liverpool clash is too close to call! The Opta supercomputer gives PSG a slight edge at home (45% win probability) over Liverpool (35%), with a draw at 20%. Here’s our take:

PSG’s Momentum: Their five-game UCL win streak and Dembele’s form suggest they’ll score—likely early. But Liverpool’s defense, led by Virgil van Dijk, won’t collapse easily.

Liverpool’s Counter Threat: Salah and Diaz could exploit PSG’s high line on the break, especially if Jota starts. The Reds’ away struggles in France loom large, though.

Score Prediction: PSG 2-2 Liverpool. We’re expecting a high-octane draw—both teams trade blows, setting up a blockbuster second leg at Anfield. Over 2.5 goals feels like a lock!

What’s your prediction? Will PSG’s attack overpower Liverpool, or can the Reds steal an edge? Drop your thoughts in the comments—we’re all ears!

Why This Match Is Unmissable

PSG vs Liverpool is Champions League football at its peak—two titans, two philosophies, one prize. PSG’s quest for their first UCL title meets Liverpool’s bid for a seventh. Will Enrique’s flair triumph, or will Slot’s system prevail? The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the drama’s guaranteed. Share this preview with your mates, join the conversation online, and let’s see who comes out on top in Paris. Who’re you backing—PSG or Liverpool? Let us know below!