By Jordan Carreno

Tuesday will see the Reds start their Champions League campaign against French side Paris Saint-Germain with a 3:00 pm EST kick-off.

Liverpool v Paris Saint-Germain — 9/18/2018 2000 GMT

Midweek, midday kickoffs are usually a source of groans for us here stateside, but Champions League football makes it all worthwhile. All LFC Tampa Bay locations will be open with the only change being that Red Star will be substituting in for London Heights as they work out an issue. No need to worry about finding a shoddy stream or paying for a subscription — the match will be on.

So, cook up your best reason to clock out of work early and head on down to join your fellow Tampa Bay Liverpool supporters in opening up what should be an exciting European campaign. As always, here are 3 talking points to mull over with your pre-match butterflies.

The Firmino Predicament

I’m currently writing this while listening to Jurgen’s press conference. My French is increasing by leaps and bounds; C’est Bon. The first question fielded to Klopp was about Bobby and whether or not he was definitely in or out. The gaffer refused to give a definitive answer but did indicate that it would be a game-time decision whether Firmino starts or not. Klopp also answered that if the match were played today (Monday), that Bobby would not be able to play.

Whilst every Red from here to Merseyside will be relieved that the injury isn’t long term, we will all be sweating whether Firmino can start against the French champions on Tuesday. If he can’t, an interesting dilemma will present itself to Klopp. It is well known that Bobby is a bit of a one of a kind player and absolutely key to Liverpool’s system. Who is entrusted with doing that job or how Jurgen tweaks the system will be interesting to see.

Does Sturridge plug in for Bobby? Does Shaqiri come in on the wing? It remains to be seen how Klopp will make up for an absent Firmino.

It could be a case of simply plugging in another striker and playing the same system. As things stand, Origi, Solanke, and Sturridge are all registered members of Liverpool’s Champions League squad. Given that it is a massive Champions League game, and Klopp did mention that he was also an injury doubt, it might be fair to say that Solanke won’t be the option.

Origi hasn’t played competitive football for Liverpool since coming on as a substitute against Watford in last season’s opener. Sturridge hasn’t shown the work rate required of the striker in a Klopp system. Whilst both possess the talent and ability to score goals, they’re quite a distance away from mimicking all that Bobby does for the side.

With that in mind, we might see Jurgen move Salah over and bring someone like Shaqiri into the squad to play the wing. We could also see a switch to a two striker system with Mane and Salah leading the charge with a proper 10 sat in behind them. There’s even an outside chance of Naby Keita plugging in as a false 9. Regardless, if Bobby is out, it will be interesting to see what Klopp does to make up for his absence.

Testing Our Might

I had written in the pre-draw piece about the Reds’ chances of getting drawn with a “big team” and how we shouldn’t fear it as a fan base. In that article I mentioned how getting one of these “European Giant” match-ups should be something we savor as it ultimately means an opportunity to test and prove ourselves. I even explicitly mentioned how I would love a chance to tame the M’bappe and Neymar hype. Well, destiny manifested.

Once again, this is why you want Champions League football. As nice as it would be to waltz our way to the final without playing anyone notable, it is the big games against formidable foes that you live for as a supporter. PSG is one of those sides on the continent that have built themselves a reputation and that features household names.

Their attacking three, like ours, are considered to be one of the best in world football. Their manager, like ours, is considered to be one of the best tacticians in Europe. Their stadium, like ours, is famous. All of these are the ingredients needed to create a memorable night of football.

Ultimately you need these type of matches to gauge how good your side actually is. Nothing is ever won on paper. Coming out the gates and beating a side like PSG will do more to enhance Liverpool’s reputation on the continent.

Reinforcing the narrative that the Reds are one of the most feared sides in the competition will help us in future pre-match psychological battles as the competition matures. We all want Liverpool to reclaim their seat at the table of European Footballing giants and beating teams like PSG will help us get there.

Neymar’s Disrespect

When you disrespect Liverpool or Anfield before a European Night, you usually end up regretting it

I buy into the mysticism of football. I have seen the spiritual realm of football force itself onto games far too many times to discount its existence. When City came to town for the quarter final last year, I sat in the Horse and Jockey and held firm to my belief that Liverpool would thrash City because City had disrespected Anfield prior to the match. At the time, I was met with crazy looks. At halftime and 3–0 up, I was sat outside surrounded by several people asking me how I knew this would happen.

So, when Neymar decided to open his mouth and throw some shade our way, I was more relieved than upset. As I explained on our pod when asked about his comments; when teams disrespect Liverpool before a Champions League match, they usually end up on the end of a defeat.

Chelsea in ’05 were already celebrating being in the final before Luis Garcia clearly put the ball into the net. Marca tried to downplay the aura of Anfield by putting out the headline “This is Anfield? So What” before Real Madrid were thrashed 4–0. City tried to act like European Nights at Liverpool were no big deal and tried to get UEFA to cancel the bus greeting. We all know how that went.

At the very least, Neymar’s comments will only add fuel to the fiery, Scouse passion that will be raining down onto the field. The already hostile welcome he was due to receive might go up another level or two. However, he might have cursed his team before a ball has even been kicked.

Prediction

I’m going to make an executive decision and decide that our Premier League prediction table will be separate from our European prediction table. I want to win a double alongside the Reds, so I’m creating my own lane to do so. That means a fresh start for Dave and I (and any of you playing along at home). Same points system — a point for guessing Liverpool’s score, a point for guessing the opponent’s score, a point for getting the result correct, and 5 points if you get all 3 right.

On the back of my last talking point, let’s talk omens. Thomas Tuchel returns for the first time since THAT Dortmund game. We have the same referee as THAT Dortmund game. Neymar has gone and cursed his side. Liverpool have never (in one game) lost to PSG at home. THE OMENS LADS! Old habits die hard so for me — we thrash them. 3–0!

David’s Prediction: Liverpool still haven’t gotten out of third gear, but French football is not a good place to prep yourself for the reality of an Anfield, nevermind an English opponent. PSG has tons of class in its ranks, but I’m going to say the cauldron huffs and puffs, blowing them off the pitch in concert with Sadio Mane and Mo Salah’s runs in behind their back line. The Parisians nab a goal to walk out with their pride relatively intact, but Neymar eats a healthy portion of crow as the Reds cruise 3–1.