Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Luckster
Looking to extend on their 100% start to proceedings, PSG will travel over to Germany on Tuesday night when they meet Bayer Leverkusen.
Bayer Leverkusen
Starting with the hosts, sensationally parting ways with Erik ten Hag after just two games in charge last month, Bayer Leverkusen found themselves at the heart of what had become a public rut. However, certainly enjoying life under new boss Kasper Hjulmand, Die Werkself have come roaring back in an eye-catching fashion. Last seen marking their return from October’s international break with a rollercoaster 4-3 victory away at Mainz, the former Denmark manager should find the mood in his camp at a recent high. Mustering 10 points from their previous four appearances across all competitions, the former German champions should be relishing a heavyweight challenge here. However, getting their European adventure underway with consecutive stalemates against Copenhagen and PSV, Hjulmand’s side are still searching for some crucial defensive steel.
Bayer Leverkusen Team News
Dealing with what has become a stacked injury list, Bayer Leverkusen will once again be without the likes of Nathan Tella, Exequiel Palacios and former Southampton starlet Nathan Tella here. Likewise, missing out against Mainz over the weekend, summer recruit and former Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah remains a doubt.
Finding the net on Saturday and now getting on the scoresheet in all of his previous three appearances on either side of October’s international break, 19-year-old Christian Michel Kofane will spearhead Leverkusen’s charge. Arriving from Brentford over the summer, Mark Flekken will start between the sticks on Tuesday night.
PSG
As for the visitors, once again left frustrated over the weekend as they eventually had to settle for a pulsating 3-3 draw at home against Strasbourg, PSG should be excited to turn their attention back to European duties here. Making real history last season as they stormed their way to a maiden Champions League crown, it is no secret that Luis Enrique’s camp are pencilled in as a standout contender to defend their title this time around. However, despite winning just a pair of their previous five appearances across all competitions, PSG have opened their European charge with a pair of early statements. Getting October underway with a sensational last-gasp 2-1 victory away at Barcelona, the French icons have won their first two Champions League showdowns by an aggregate score of 6-1. Getting proceedings underway with a routine 4-0 romp against Italian outfit Atalanta on September 17th, PSG are once of six clubs who can boast a 100% start.
PSG Team News
In what could prove to be a huge boost for PSG on Tuesday night, newly-crowned Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele could make a first appearance across any front since the end of August. However, Enrique will travel to Germany on Tuesday night without the trio of Joao Neves, Fabian Ruiz and skipper Marquinhos.
Opening his Champions League account against Atalanta last month, former Napoli ace Khvicha Kvaratskhelia should be handed a full recall. Bagging a famous last-gasp winner in Catalonia on October 1st and notching a first Ligue 1 strike of the season last time out, Portuguese international Goncalo Ramos should keep his spot leading the line.
Bayer Leverkusen vs PSG Key Factors to Consider
- When Bayer Leverkusen and PSG last met in Champions League action back in 2014, the reigning European champions secured a thumping 6-1 aggregate win.
- PSG have won their opening two Champions League appearances this season by an aggregate score of 6-1.
- However, Tuesday’s guests have recorded just a sole clean sheet from their previous five outings.
- Bayer Leverkusen have registered 10 points from their previous four appearances across all competitions.
- Eight of Leverkusen’s last nine appearances have finished with both teams finding the net.
Conclusion
Excited to turn their attention back to Champions League action on Tuesday night, PSG will be confident of claiming a recent boost. However, eventually forced to settle for a pulsating 3-3 stalemate at home against Strasbourg over the weekend, Enrique’s side have drastically failed to find any defensive stability. Last seen in European action landing a stunning 2-1 victory away at Barcelona, neutrals will be hoping for another Champions League thriller in midweek. Watching Leverkusen play out a rollercoaster seven-goal thriller against Mainz on Saturday, chances could come thick and fast from the BayArena.
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Luckster
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