MATCH PREVIEW - PSG v MANCHESTER UNITED

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TRIVIA

Venue - Parc De Princes, Paris
Kick Off - Saturday, October 20 -  20:00 GMT 
                 Saturday, October 21 - 12:30 IST

After a sluggish start to the season for Manchester United, things finally came together for the Red Devils against Newcastle as they dispatched the Magpies convincingly, beating them 4 - 1. United's goals were extremely fluid and they had finally found the attacking mojo that was seen during the second half of last season. Today, they return to the stadium where Ole Gunnar Solskjaer enjoyed his best ever win as Manchester United's manager, where he masterminded a 3 - 1 comeback - which was won in trademark Solskjaer style - an injury time winner. It was one one of the best Champions League nights in United history and that is what gave Ole the job. One and a half year in, the Norwegian guided United to 3rd place in the Premier League and looks to be here to stay.

Our French rivals, Paris Saint Germain have been in good form recently and they currently sit 2nd in the Ligue 1 table after a rather sluggish start to the season. Last year's finalists will be keen to challenge again for the European crown and I mark them as one of the favourites to win. Another agenda today for the French side will be revenge as last to last year, the Red Devils stopped their run in the Round of 16 when they were kicked out rather stunningly by a depleted Manchester United squad in injury time. 

TEAM FORM

The Red Devils found their rhythm after a rather slow start to the season as they crushed Newcastle 4 - 1. Prior to that they had lost two of their 4 games in the Premier League, one which included a 3 - 1 loss to Crystal Palace and a 6 - 1 thumping at the hands of former manager Jose Mourinho's Tottenham Hotspurs. Lack of fitness was one reason that was put out in those defeats and they seemed to address that in the game against the Magpies. It will be interesting to see if they can carry their new found mojo.

Paris Saint Germain also started the season rather sluggishly - losing their first two games to Marseille and Lens. Since then they have woken up and have simply smashed anyone who came in their way and look set for yet another Ligue 1 trophy. PSG will look to go one better on their previous years Champions League campaign where they were beaten in the final by a rather unstoppable Bayern Munich. 

TEAM NEWS

Anthony Martial will be available for selection for todays game as his ban only applies to domestic competitions. Harry Maguire and Edinson Cavani have not travelled with the squad and that means that Bruno Fernandes gets to wear the armband for the first time in a United shirt. Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo are ineligible for the competition as they have not been registered. Alex Telles will be hoping to make his debut. Mason Greenwood and Jesse Lingard have also not travelled with the squad. 

As for Paris Saint Germain Leandro Paredes and Marco Verratti will be out through injuries. Julian Draxler and Marquinhos will probably be fit enough to feature against the Red Devils. 

PREDICTED TEAM

Dean Henderson could be given a Champions League debut tonight. I predict a change in tactics with United using a 3 - 4 - 1 - 2 with Bailly , Lindelof and Tuanzebe/Luke Shaw in defence. Paul Pogba should return to the squad and should be given a start along with Donny van de Beek. Upfront it has to be Martial and Rashford. 

PLAYER TO WATCH OUT FOR

BRUNO FERNANDES - Even with the slow start that United have had this season, Bruno Fernandes already has two goal and an assist to his name. The set piece specialist is always one step ahead of the opposition and no matter what gives more than a 100% for the club. Against Newcastle he was instrumental in the comeback. He is a born leader (finally he gets the captain armband albeit temporarily) and will be crucial if we are to get back to winning ways..

VERDICT

This match is going to be really close and I think that it could end up being a draw

PSG 2 - 2 Manchester United

Blogger at The Devil's Den https://the-devilsden.blogspot.com/

Comments

  1. UnknownOctober 20, 2020 at 9:45 PM

    Baily has also not travelled bro

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Varun SangwanOctober 20, 2020 at 9:50 PM

      Oh I didn't know that..Thanks for pointing it out....
      Have a great matchday!!

      Delete

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