PSG versus Liverpool kicks off at 8pm this evening at the Parc des Princes in what is shaping up to be the must-watch Champions League fixture of the week.
In Group C, the tightest in the tournament, the four teams completed by Napoli and Red Star Belgrade are just separated by two points. Any further dropped points would undoubtedly be detrimental to progression in the premier European competition.
Both the teams playing in the France capital tonight come in unbeaten in their respective leagues. As the match gears up, The Sportsman selects a combined PSG/Liverpool. Do you agree? Let us know in the comments below.
GK: Alisson
No question about it, Gianluigi Buffon over the course of his career is a shoe-in. Now at 40-years-old however, we’re going to have to opt with the man who replaced him (briefly) as the most expensive goalkeeper in history, particularly for the way he is finally a figure for Liverpool who instills a bit of confidence in the backline.
LB: Andrew Robertson
What a brilliant purchase; £8million to Hull looks like an absolute snip for arguably the best left-back in England at the moment. If Liverpool were to sell him tomorrow, they could legitimately claim at least five times the price for the 24-year-old Scotsman who has helped Liverpool to a joint-highest clean sheet tally, and chucked in three assists for good measure.
CB: Virgil Van Dijk
Many scoffed at the gargantuan fee Liverpool eventually had to pay to prise Van Dijk from Southampton at the beginning of 2018. Not anymore. As soon as the Dutchman gets the captain’s armband for Liverpool, the better, and can pop up for a bangin’ header when needs to.
CB: Thiago Silva
Now in his sixth season with Les Parisiens, at 34-years-old, still has the ability to compete at a top level. Leader.
RB: Thomas Meunier
A scorer at Anfield in their previous meeting, Meunier faced tough competition for this position with the ever-improving Trent-Alexander Arnold.
M: Julian Draxler
The attacking midfield threat Liverpool so desperately lack, the 25-year-old German has three goals and three assists so far this season.
M: Adrien Rabiot
One of the most in-demand midfielders in Europe, who looks set to spark a spending frenzy and grace another club with his talents at the end of the season. None of Liverpool’s current roster of central midfielders can hold a candle to what Rabiot brings to the side, with stupendous box-to-box ability.
M: Angel Di Maria
A vital part of Tuchel’s side and perhaps the first name on the team-sheet. Recently signed a new three-year contract with Les Parisiens. A complete alien to United fans who saw him briefly in their red for one season.
LF: Sadio Mane
Even Buffon, who may be facing them this evening, has highlighted the effectiveness and prowess of that Liverpool front-line. Neymar certainly has the status and the flash and razzamataz. He’s even contributed 13 goals and seven assists already this season. However, Mane’s cohesion and effectiveness alongside the rest of that Red tantalising trio - devoid of the ego that blights the Brazilian - grants the Senegalese a place in this XI
F: Mohamed Salah
The current African & PFA Player of the Year. Perhaps not as effective this season in his debut with Liverpool, but it would be extremely disrespectful to leave him out of this side after his sensational year.
RF: Kylian Mbappe
2018: The Year of Mbappe. These fingers are exhausted from typing superlatives about this Frenchman. Just remember: 19-years-old, and only going to get better.
