Hendrick: “PSG’s attack masks a defence that Liverpool can expose” | OneFootball

PSG vs Liverpool: Tactical Battle in Paris – A-Eye Scouted Podcast Breakdown

Liverpool’s highly anticipated Champions League clash against PSG in Paris has all the makings of a blockbuster. On the latest A-Eye Scouted podcast from Anfield Index, Dave Hendrick and Karl Matchett provided an in-depth preview, analysing PSG’s recent form, their defensive vulnerabilities, and how Arne Slot’s Liverpool can approach the game.

PSG’s Champions League Campaign: Shaky but Deadly

PSG’s Champions League journey has been far from smooth. As Hendrick noted, they “were sitting outside of the top 24 and looking just like a lost cause” before a dramatic turnaround against Manchester City. A late flurry saw them win 4-2, securing a place in the knockouts, but Matchett was quick to highlight their frailties: “The first leg could easily have been 3-3. Brest hit the woodwork twice, missed a big chance, and Donnarumma nearly put one into his own net.”

PSG may have recovered, but their defensive issues remain. As Hendrick pointed out, “That defence is not bad individually, but the mix of it isn’t quite what you would want for an elite-level team.”

PSG’s Attack: The Biggest Threat to Liverpool

PSG’s attacking talent is undeniable, with Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola, and Kylian Mbappé (before his January departure) wreaking havoc. Hendrick was full of praise for Barcola: “He’s playing out of his mind… If I were picking a left-winger for Liverpool this summer, it would be him.”

Photo IMAGO

With the addition of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in January, PSG’s frontline is even more dangerous. “They’ve swapped Randal Kolo Muani for Kvaratskhelia, which is maybe the biggest upgrade since we took David N’Gog off and brought Fernando Torres on,” joked Matchett.

However, both analysts agreed that PSG’s attack masks a defence that can be exposed, particularly through the fullbacks. “Nuno Mendes is great going forward but questionable defensively,” noted Hendrick. “And Achraf Hakimi, for all his brilliance, can be caught high up the pitch.”

Liverpool’s Tactical Setup: The City Blueprint

Liverpool’s approach is expected to mirror their tactics against Manchester City earlier in the season. Hendrick believes Arne Slot will opt for a four-man midfield to counter PSG’s technical quality. “I think we’ll see what we lined up with against City. Mo and Diaz almost as a front two, with the midfield forming a deep block and looking to hit them on the counter.”

That means Curtis Jones could be included alongside Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch. “Jones gives us that extra work rate and press resistance,” said Matchett. “If he starts, Alexis can sit a bit deeper next to Gravenberch, and the two of them can do the dirty work together.”

Liverpool’s best attacking route? Exploiting Mendes and PSG’s young centre-backs. “If Salah gets isolated on Mendes or pulls him out of position, then lines up against Baraldo or Pacho—young defenders in a big game against the best player on the planet—it’s game on,” Hendrick stated.

Photo: IMAGO

Predictions: Score Draw in Paris

Neither Matchett nor Hendrick expect Liverpool to keep PSG out across both legs. “I don’t see us keeping two clean sheets here,” admitted Hendrick. “PSG are going to score a couple, so we’ll have to be right on it.”

Both analysts settled on a draw in the first leg. “I’m going for a 2-2 draw,” said Hendrick. Matchett was slightly more cautious: “I’ll say 1-1, but it’s going to be a good game.”

The key for Liverpool will be keeping PSG’s attack in check while exploiting their defensive frailties. As Matchett summed up, “If we survive the away leg, I think we win this tie at Anfield.”

Final Thoughts

Liverpool’s visit to the Parc des Princes will be a massive test, but there are clear weaknesses in PSG’s setup. If Slot gets his tactics right—pressing high and using Liverpool’s pace on the counter—it could be another European classic.