The 2020/21 UEFAChampions League is back on schedule this week with one of the big matches, the last season finalist, PSG against Manchester United. Their last encounters in 2019 in the round of 16 were in favour of The Red Devils. It was Solksjaer’s debut in UCL as a manager and he passed the test well, with a surprising 3-1 victory on the road. This upcoming clash could be a revenge for Thomas Tuchel who certainly would not let them humiliate Le Parisien at home for the second time.
Both teams’ previous games
PSG has been slowly returning to the top of the table after their two shocking defeats on the first two games. Last Friday they smashed Nimes 4-0 by the goals of Alessandro Florenzi, Pablo Sarabia plus Kylian Mbappe’s brace. It was also the match which their new signings, Rafinha Alcantara and Moise Kean made their impressive debut.
Manchester United seems to be forgetting about their disastrous defeat against Spurs before the international break. Last weekend, they hammered Newcastle United 4-1 on the road despite being one goal behind as Luke Shaw scored an early own goal and Bruno Fernandes’s failure to take the penalty. Marcus Rashford was the man of the match with his goal and two assists for Bruno Fernandes and Aaron Wan Bissaka. Another goal was scored through a header by Harry Macguire.
The former Dortmund boss, Thomas Tuchel has more options in the squad now after making several late signings such as Rafinha, Moise Kean and Danilo Pereira, which enables him to explore more tactical approach. Yet, the last one is still injured and so do some other key names such as Mauro Icardi, Marquinhos, Thilo Kehrer, Juan Bernat, Marco Verratti and Julian Draxler. Therefore, he is likely to deploy 4-3-3 formation with Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Moise Kean at the front.
Ole Solskjaer needs to consider deploying a new formation such as 3-4-2-1. The former PSG man, Edison Cavani could get a nod to make his debut here on the second half while Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes occupy the attacking midfielder role to support Anthony Martial. In the midfield, Danny Van de Beek and Scott McTominay or Paul Pogba shall be in the starting IX accompanied by Aaron Wan Bissaka and Luke Shaw who play out wide.
The boy wonder Kylian Mbappe and Neymar are the two PSG’s dynamic duo who could easily swap roles and positions to support the targetman or being the scorer themselves. Some other vital figures in the current squad are Pablo Sarabia and the Italian wing back Alessandro Florenzi, who seems to thrive lately.
Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial could be the key men of the season, including in UCL alongside the Portuguese international Bruno Fernandes. Another notable name to watch here is surely the French star Paul Pogba.
PSG vs Man United Prediction
Neymar and Co may have the home advantage and better mentality but really should be careful if Edison Cavani does make his debut here. His return to Parc des Princes could be a backfire for PSG, especially supported by the speedy Rashford and Martial. A draw seems a fairer result for this clash on match day 1.
Betting odds
It is certainly a mouth watering even match. Solskjaer’s men are priced to win at 9/2, whereas Le Parisien’s odds to win are at 7/11. The draw result is at the value of 7/2.
