A vital UEFA Champions League Group A game between Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig will be held on Wednesday (October 20) at 1 a.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time). This game will be crucial for RB Leipzig in their quest for a Round 16 berth. They need to win the contest in order to remain in the tournament. On the other hand, PSG are presently in the first spot in the group standings. Messi, Neymar, and Mbappe of PSG will be the center of attention in this clash. Will they play together against Leipzig? Let’s take a look at the PSG vs. RB Leipzig match preview.
Probable Team Lineups: PSG vs. RB Leipzig
Coach Mauricio Pochettino will be without star Brazilian striker Neymar due to a groin injury sustained during the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying match against Uruguay last week. Pochettino will have to rely on German attacking midfielder Julian Draxler to form a formidable forward line with Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi in this encounter in the absence of Neymar. Because Argentine winger Angel di Maria is suspended for this match, and his compatriot Mauro Icardi is expected to miss the fixture owing to personal reasons.
Paris Saint-Germain will also be without some important midfield and defensive players. PSG’s summer acquisition Sergio Ramos will be unavailable at least for the next four weeks due to a calf injury. Aside from them, Paredes and Kurzawa will be absent from this match.
Probable Starting XI (PSG): Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK), Achraf Hakimi (RB), Marquinhos (CB), Nuno Mendes (LB), Ander Herrera (DM), Idrissa Gueye (DM), Marco Verratti (M), Julian Draxler (AM), Lionel Messi (FW), Kylian Mbappé (FW)
A notable number of Leipzig players are expected to miss this important clash due to injuries. Therefore, coach Jesse Marsch will need to come up with a good plan to halt PSG’s attacking trio in this game.
Leipzig’s summer signing from Ajax Brian Brobbery will miss the match due to a thigh injury. dependable defender Marcel Halstenberg, offensive midfielder Dani Olmo, and Uruguayan left-back Marcelo Saracchi will also be out for this Champions League encounter because of injuries. As a result, manager Jesse Marsch is concerned about putting together a balanced starting XI for this match.
Probable Starting XI (RB Leipzig): Péter Gulácsi (GK), Willi Orbán (CB), Nordi Mukiele (CB), Joško Gvardiol (LB), Lukas Klostermann (RB), Amadou Haidara (M), Kevin Kampl (M), Angeliño (Left-Winger), Christopher Nkunku (AM), Emil Forsberg (AM), Yussuf Poulsen (FW).
Head-to-Head: Leipzig vs. PSG
Both teams have met four times, with each club winning twice. The two victories for RB Leipzig came in the UEFA Champions League and an international friendly. On the other hand, PSG have won both of its games in the Champions League. PSG have never lost a match against Leipzig at Parc des Princes. They also won in a game at Red Bull Arena. Leipzig have won all of their games at the Red Bull Arena.
Prediction: Paris Saint-Germain vs. RB Leipzig
Paris Saint-Germain are the overwhelming favourites to win their Champions League encounter against RB Leipzig On Wednesday, (October 20). Leipzig will have a little chance in this encounter if PSG perform to their best capacity.
Mauricio Pochettino has plenty of offensive alternatives available to him. He has the option of going all-in against the visiting team. Otherwise, he may opt to play it safe and end the game as fast as possible. If all players are available PSG’s best option would be a 4-3-3 formation. If important players are rested, PSG may go for a 4-2-3-1 formation with Mbappe at the center.
On the other hand, RB Leipzig will be looking for a draw. An open play could be expected if Leipzig scores early in the game. They may utilize a 4-4-2 system to bolster the defense and midfield. Leipzig’s main objective would be to limit PSG’s attack and push to the final whistle for at least a solitary point.
Verdict
Paris Saint-Germain are the favourites in the PSG vs. RB Leipzig match, regardless of whether Messi, Neymar, and Mbappe play together or not. Because Leipzig are presently in the bottom position in the points standings after two games, with zero points. RB Leipzig are also struggling in the domestic league competition. As a result, they will be under pressure while playing against PSG away from home. On the other hand, PSG are in first place in Group A with four points. They have enough potential in the squad to beat Leipzig even if their top players are resting.
Source: United News of Bangladesh