The UEFA Champions League returns this week as we enter the group stages of the competition. On Tuesday the 20th of October we have an exciting fixture to look forward to in Group H as Paris Saint-Germain welcome Manchester United to the French capital. This is a repeat of the round of 16 game in the 2018/19 competition and if this game comes close to matching the thrills of that match, we are in for a great night.
Paris Saint-Germain come into the game having defeated Nimes 4-0 away from home in Ligue 1 on the weekend. That was their 5th successive victory in the French topflight following a difficult start to the season. Having played in the 2019/20 Champions League final, Paris Saint-Germain had little time to recover before the beginning of the new season and it showed in their early performances. They lost away to Lens 1-0 and at home 1-0 to Marseille.
However, since the defeat against Marseille, Paris Saint-Germain have beaten Metz and Angers at home plus Nice, Reims, and Nimes away. The goals have been flowing and Paris Saint-Germain have scored at least 2 goals in each of their last 4 matches.
Trends show Paris Saint-Germain have won 8 of their 11 most recent matches in the Champions League. They have also scored 2 or more goals in 5 of their last 7 Champions League games, winning by 2 or more goals 3 of their last 6 matches in the competition.
Manchester United returned following the international break with a good 4-1 victory at Newcastle United in the Premier League. Having fallen a goal behind early in the game, the Red Devils scored the equaliser in the 23rd minute to go in level at half-time. Just as time was running out in the second half, Manchester United scored 3 goals inside the final 4 minutes of normal time to seal the win.
It was an important win as Manchester United lost their previous game 6-1 at home against Tottenham Hotspur, which was a huge setback in their pursuit of the Premier League title.
There is one thing Manchester United have proven they can do this season and that is score goals. They have found the back of the net at least 3 times in each 4 of their last 5 games in all competitions. However, Manchester United have kept just two clean sheets in their 6 matches this season, both of which have come in the League Cup.
Team news and Paris Saint-Germain have a significant injury list including Danilo Pereira, Juan Bernat, Leandro Paredes, Marquinhos, Mauro Icardi, and Thilo Kehrer. Kylian Mbappe and Neymar should start in attack but Julian Draxler and Marco Verratti are doubts.
Manchester United travel without Édinson Cavani and Phil Jones. Axel Tuanzebe is a doubt with a foot injury but every other player should be available.
Our 2020/21 #UCL campaign begins tomorrow.That is all.#MUFC #MondayMotivation pic.twitter.com/HHTc0sLM6E— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 19, 2020
Our 2020/21 #UCL campaign begins tomorrow.That is all.#MUFC #MondayMotivation pic.twitter.com/HHTc0sLM6E
This has the makings of being a high scoring match, with over 3.5 goals in the game and both teams scoring. However, PSG have been in excellent form recently and should come out on top to take maximum points.