Our betting expert has three Paris Saint-Germain vs Liverpool tips for Wednesday’s Champions League last-16, first-leg clash at the Parc des Princes (kick-off, 8pm). Scroll down for the analysis behind his selections.
By Luke Weaser-Seychell
- PSG to win @ 6/4 with bet365
- Bradley Barcola anytime goalscorer @ 12/5 with bet365
- Alexis Mac Allister and Nuno Mendes to be booked @ 28/1 with bet365
PSG to gain first-leg advantage
PSG may have failed to qualify automatically for the last-16 stage, but they sent a stark reminder to the other 15 teams left in the competition about the quality they possess, after thrashing Brest 10-0 on aggregate in the play-off round.
Les Parisiens are on a 10-game winning streak in all competitions heading into this contest and haven’t tasted defeat since losing 2-1 at home to Bayern Munich on November 26th – an incredible 22-match unbeaten run.
Champions League glory is what PSG’s owners have been yearning for, and with the Ligue 1 title close to being wrapped up already for the defending French champions, most of their focus can turn to this European competition.
It won’t be easy for PSG as they prepare to face a Liverpool side that sits top of the Premier League and also finished first in the League Phase of the Champions League.
But the Reds have shown frailties on the road of late, losing 1-0 to Plymouth in the FA Cup fourth round, drawing back-to-back league games against Everton (2-2) and Aston Villa (2-2) before then winning 2-0 at Manchester City.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot will be concerned about those defensive mishaps, especially as PSG have scored in every home game this season and have bagged 50 in total at the Parc des Princes.
With a trip to Anfield for the second leg on March 11th, PSG will be eager to have an advantage for that tough assignment, and they could build a decent lead on home turf.
Paris Saint-Germain vs Liverpool Tip 1: PSG to win @ 6/4 with bet365
Barcola to shine on the big stage
Both teams have an embarrassment of riches to choose from when it comes to attacking players and there should be plenty of scoring opportunities created in Paris.
While Ousmane Dembele has been the main man for PSG this season, with 25 goals in all competitions, he has been ably assisted by fellow Frenchman Bradley Barcola.
The 22-year-old netted his 12th Ligue 1 strike of the campaign in Saturday’s 4-1 success over Lille and he has already shown he can transfer that domestic form onto the European stage with three Champions League strikes to his name.
Those goals have come in three of Barcola’s last four appearances in Europe and it would be no surprise to see him get on the scoresheet once again.
Paris Saint-Germain vs Liverpool Tip 2: Bradley Barcola anytime goalscorer @ 12/5 with bet365
Duo to fall foul of the referee
These two sides have been generally well-disciplined in the Champions League, with PSG picking up 11 yellows from 10 matches and Liverpool receiving 17 from eight assignments.
However, as the last-16 stage begins and the pressure ramps up, the tackles could start to fly in, and the expected attacking game at the Parc des Princes should bring about some bookings.
One player who could have his name taken is Liverpool midfielder Alex Mac Allister, who has received a joint-high four yellows in Europe, along with his six yellows in the Premier League.
Joining the Argentine in the book could be PSG defender Nuno Mendes, who has been cautioned five times this season with three of those coming in the Champions League.
Paris Saint-Germain vs Liverpool Tip 3: Alexis Mac Allister and Nuno Mendes to be booked @ 28/1 with bet365
