UCL Preview: PSG welcome PSV Eindhoven
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We've only just returned from the international break after a cracking weekend of Ligue 1 McDonald's action, and now the UEFA Champions League is back as league leaders Paris Saint-Germain welcome Dutch side PSV Eindhoven.
Building on Saturday
After some middling performances prior to the international break, PSG roared back into form on Saturday evening at the Parc des Princes against Racing Club de Strasbourg, handing the eastern side a 4-2 defeat. Bradley Barcola, as he so often has been this season, was at the heart of the Parisians' attack, scoring his seventh (and league-leading) goal of the season.
Having rested the likes of Marquinhos and Achraf Hakimi for that match, Luis Enrique will be eager to play a full strength team in this encounter, despite the absences of Lucas Hernandez and Presnel Kimpembe. The only uncertainty stems in how the manager will approach the centre forward spot, as he has rotated among Marco Asensio, Randal Kolo Muani and Lee Kang-In since losing Gonçalo Ramos to injury. The Spaniard may have the edge tomorrow, but each of his other options could prove useful should the hosts need a goal.
Even with this wealth of attacking options, Enrique was quick to sound a cautious note in the pre-match press conference, saying, "It's difficult to assess PSV's level. They're a very high-level opponent, they dominate their league with incredible numbers. They play very well with the wingers and they know how to defend very well."
A perfect match by Bradley Barcola! 😮💨⭐️
⚽️ 1 goal
🅰️ 1 assist
👟 48 ball touches
🔝 6 dribbles
🎯 4 shots on target
🤩 2 big chances created
🔐 3 key passes pic.twitter.com/O6kac0RwPa— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) October 19, 2024
A Perfect Record
Getting three points against the Dutch side will be no easy task, however. Peter Bosz's side are off to a perfect start in the Eredivisie, with nine wins from their first nine fixtures. While things have gone rather less well in Europe, they nevertheless showed their mettle despite losing to Juventus and also earned a creditable draw against Sporting Club.
To face the hosts at the Parc des Princes, Bosz will call on some faces which will be familiar to fans of Ligue 1, in the form of two players who plied their trade at OGC Nice -- midfielder Olivier Boscagli and goalkeeper Walter Benítez. Bosz himself also worked in France, of course, having worked at Olympique Lyonnais, but without success against the capital side.
He may be lucky to end that run as well -- while PSG are light in defence, the Dutchman has to deal with the absences of key midfielders Joey Veerman and Jerdy Schouten here, as well as attacker Hirving 'Chucky' Lozano. Even with those absences, though, the visitors remain a potent threat, having scored in every match they've played this season.
Predicted lineups:
PSG (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Zaïre-Emery, Neves, Vitinha; Dembélé, Asensio (or Lee), Barcola
PSV (4-3-3): Benítez; Mauro Junior, Flamingo, Obispo, Dams; Boscagli, Salibari, Til; Tillman, De Jong, Bakayoko
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