PSG vs Real Madrid
PSG [2.4], Real Madrid [3.1], The Draw [3.75]Wed 18 Sept, 20:00 BST
Live on BT Sport 2
Star names are out
Edinson Cavani and Kylian Mbappe are missing for PSG. Neymar is expected to start having made his first appearance of the season in PSG’s 1-0 win over Strasbourg last weekend. On-loan Mauro Icardi is a contender to lead the attack.
For Real Madrid, Marcelo, Nacho and Sergio Ramos are out. Summer signing Ferland Mendy is expected to start at left-back. Luka Modric is also absent. James Rodriguez is tipped to start in a midfield trio alongside Casemiro and Toni Kroos.
Visitors the smarter selection
Neither side has truly impressed in the opening weeks of the season, making it difficult to assess which of the two is likely to come out on top in this potentially crucial meeting in Paris.
PSG have already dropped points in Ligue 1 – they lost 2-1 in Rennes on August 18 – and needed an injury-time Neymar goal on the Brazilian’s return from injury last Saturday to snatch a 1-0 win over Strasbourg. Thomas Tuchel’s side may top the Ligue 1 table but there’s room for improvement, and the absences of Cavani and Mbappe constitute a major problem in attack.
Real Madrid are W2-D2-L0 in La Liga and still looking to hit top notes. Like PSG, they will be without some important players, making their potential performance level even more difficult to read. The presence of Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Eden Hazard, however, means the visitors are better-equipped than PSG in attack on this particular occasion, and will be confident of troubling PSG’s back line.
PSG are [2.4] to win, with Real [3.1] and The Draw [3.75]. With so little to pick between the teams, backing Real or the Draw would be the smart bets if you’re looking for a selection in this market. Alternatively, look to support Real Madrid on the Asian Handicap or Draw No Bet markets. For a full guide to Asian Handicap betting, click here.
Fewer goals than usual on cards
Generally you’d expect a game between these two sides to be a high-scoring affair. Both teams are naturally attack-minded and have been involved in some memorably open and entertaining games in the group phase and latter stages of the competition in recent seasons.
This time, however, the game may be lower-scoring than usual. PSG are without Cavani and Mbappe, and Neymar has only recently regained full fitness, meaning their front line will be less potent than they’d like for a game of this magnitude. Icardi and Eric Choupo-Moting are competing to lead the attack, but the former is still settling into his new surroundings and the latter is far from prolific.
Real Madrid have better attacking options. Bale and Benzema are vastly experienced in this competition but PSG defenders Abdou Diallo, Marquinhos and Thiago Silva will be confident they can give as good as they get.
Under 2.5 Goals is [2.56] and Under 3.5 Goals is [1.62]. The former is a tempting selection given the high-profile attacking absentees on the PSG side.
Source: Betfair Champions League
