The stage is set for a dramatic Champions League night in Paris, as Liverpool prepare to face Paris Saint-Germain in a heavyweight quarter-final clash. All eyes will be on striker Hugo Ekitiké, who is poised for a poignant start against the club he left last summer, leading the line alongside the ever-dangerous Mohamed Salah.

Manager Arne Slot faces significant selection challenges for this crucial first leg. As confirmed in his press conference, Alexander Isak is not yet ready to feature despite nearing fitness. More critically, the Reds will be without their rock in goal, Alisson Becker, with Giorgi Mamardashvili stepping into the high-pressure spotlight at the Parc des Princes.

The defensive absences continue, with Conor Bradley and Wataru Endo also unavailable. This opens the door for Jeremie Frimpong to start at right-back. Liverpool must also navigate a tightrope with discipline; key figures Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, and Curtis Jones are all one booking away from missing the decisive return leg at Anfield.

With these factors in mind, the predicted Liverpool lineup shapes up as a blend of resilience and attacking flair: Mamardashvili; Kerkez, Van Dijk, Konaté, Frimpong; Wirtz, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister; Ekitiké, Salah.