Paris Saint-Germain are set to clash against RB Leipzig at home in the third round of the Champions League. Leipzig are yet to hit their stride this season both in their domestic league and the Champions League. Can PSG continue their momentum against Leipzig?
PSG are top of the table in Ligue 1 with nine wins and one loss from their ten league games. Although they haven’t really inspired confidence in their recent wins, they have managed to get past their opponents. In the last five home fixtures, they’ve managed to score at least twice, keeping the clean sheets three times and winning all of their games. In their previous game in the Champions League against Manchester City, they secured a 2-0 victory. Messi scored his first goal in navy blue and some fans might say that it was worth the wait, as the six-time Ballon d’Or winner scored from a fantastic strike, with PSG accomplishing their revenge for their last year’s semi-final defeat at the hands of City. Angel Di Maria remains suspended for the clash against Leipzig while Sergio Ramos and Navas are doubtful as well. Mendes and Hakimi will make a return to their fullback roles. Messi, Neymar, Parades and Marquinhos will be available after returning from their international duties.
In their previous fixture in the Champions League, despite being dominated in terms of multiple attacking metrics PSG managed to scrape off a 2-0 victory through moments of brilliance from Idrissa Gueye and Lionel Messi.
Leipzig have been inconsistent this season. They have just three wins in their last nine games. It also hasn’t helped that they have lost many instrumental players in the transfer window. Leipzig are placed eighth in the Bundesliga with eleven points and they have failed to register a single win in their previous two encounters in the Champions League. In their previous game in the Champions League, they lost to Club Brugge at home. Christopher Nkunku was the only spark in the match for Leipzig. It will be an uphill battle for them against PSG. Dani Olmo and Marcel Halstenberg are both set to miss out on the fixture through injuries. Kampl and Mukiele will both be available while Angelino could also be in contention for the left-back spot.
In their previous clash in the Champions League, Leipzig took more than twice the number of shots as their opponents. But they were only able to hit the target just once. Their shot map indicates that they took most of their shots from outside the opposition box. Leipzig’s only goal of the match was scored from inside the box.
Predicted XI
PSG (4-3-3) -Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Kimpembe, Mendes; Verratti, Gueye, Herrera; Messi, Mbappe, Neymar.
RB Leipzig (3-4-2-1) -Gulacsi; Klostermann, Simakan, Orban; Mukiele, Laimer, Kampl, Angelino; Nkunku, Forsberg; Poulsen.
In the previous four encounters between them, both sides are even. Paris Saint-Germain have won two games and lost two. They will be favourites going into the match.
