Verdict: PSG win
Best Odds: 4/9
Bookmaker: Luckster
Looking to claim an immediate Champions League response on Wednesday night, reigning European champions PSG will welcome Tottenham to Paris.
PSG
Starting with the hosts, making real history last season as they stormed their way to an iconic maiden Champions League crown, it is no secret that PSG have their sole focus set to defending their European trophy this time around. Despite suffering real frustration earlier in the month as they slumped to a 2-1 loss at home against German giants Bayern Munich, it appears that was just a blip for Luis Enrique’s superstar squad. Collecting a heavyweight European scalp on October 1st as they clinched a 2-1 victory away at Barcelona, PSG will be confident of making another statement here. Marking their return from November’s international break with a routine 3-0 romp at home against Le Havre over the weekend, Wednesday’s hosts have also gained a fearsome reputation for their clinical performances in the final third.
PSG Team News
Picking up an ankle injury prior to November’s fortnight interval, PSG will once again be without defensive talisman Achraf Hakimi on Wednesday night. However, in what could prove to be a huge boost for the reigning European champions here, newly-crowned Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele could play some part after dealing with a recent calf issue.
Settling for a spot on the bench against Le Havre over the weekend, former Napoli ace Khvicha Kvaratskhelia should be handed a full recall. Likewise, handed a full rest on Saturday night, skipper Marquinhos will return at the heart of PSG’s defence and should be partnered alongside Willian Pacho.
Tottenham
As for the visitors, although Tottenham might have enjoyed a bright start to proceedings following Thomas Frank’s arrival in north London, Spurs have come crashing back down to earth in a worrying fashion. Last seen over the weekend marking their return from November’s international break with a woeful 4-1 drumming away at arch-rivals Arsenal, it has been suggested that the former Brentford boss could already find some mounting pressure on the former Brentford. Suffering last-gasp heartbreak at home against Manchester United prior to November’s fortnight interval with a dramatic 2-2 stalemate against Manchester United, Tottenham have registered just a pair of wins from any of their previous eight appearances across all competitions. Showing some worrying defensive issues, Frank’s downbeat squad should be bracing themselves for another monumental challenge here.
Tottenham Team News
All still dealing with respective injury issues, Tottenham will travel to Paris without the likes of Yves Bissouma, Ben Davies, Dejan Kulusevski, Dominic Solanke and England international James Maddison. Shown a straight red card against Copenhagen earlier in the month, former Nottingham Forest star Brennan Johnson will miss out through suspension here.
Despite enduring a difficult start to life in north London, ex-PSG youngster Xavi Simons could be handed a full recall in Paris. Now finding the net in back-to-back appearances on either side of November’s international break, Brazilian international Richarlison will keep his spot leading the line.
PSG vs Tottenham Key Factors to Consider
- When PSG and Tottenham met in the Super Cup showpiece event on August 13th, Wednesday’s hosts collected a thrilling penalty shootout victory in Udinese.
- Despite falling to a 2-1 loss against Bayern Munich earlier in the month, PSG have won each of their other three Champions League appearances.
- Spurs have recorded just a pair of clean sheets from any of their last eight appearances across all competitions.
- PSG’s four Champions League appearances this season have produced 19 goals at both ends of the pitch.
- Portuguese international Joao Neves has registered six goals in his previous five appearances for club and country.
Conclusion
Left frustrated earlier in the month as they slumped to a 2-1 loss against Bayern Munich, PSG will be seeking an immediate European response here. With their sights firmly set on defending their maiden Champions League crown, Enrique’s superstar squad should be smelling a golden opportunity on Wednesday night. Watching Tottenham mark their return from November’s international break with an infamous 4-1 drumming away at arch-rivals Arsenal, Spurs have continued to show some real cause for concern. Mustering just a pair of wins from any of their previous eight appearances across all competitions, Frank’s downbeat squad look set for another monumental challenge in midweek.
Verdict: PSG win
Best Odds: 4/9
Bookmaker: Luckster
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