Preview
The Champions League is back! After a thrilling group stage that saw some big names drop, we are down to the final 16, and PSG is back looking to win the competition for the first time. It was a strange group stage for PSG as although they went unbeaten in their six matches, the French side still managed to finish second. Tied on points, head-to-head, goal difference and goals scored, PSG ultimately lost on away goals scored, with Benfica sticking six past Maccabi Haifa in their final game to take the top spot.
On February 14, PSG will face Bayern Munich in the opening leg of the Champions League quarterfinals at Le Parc des Princes. Bundesliga powerhouses qualified for the top tier’s Round of 16 after taking first place in their group. While everything was going on, the Ligue 1 leaders advanced to the following round as the runners-up. Both parties will arrive at the meeting carrying multiple serious wounds. According to a recent report from L’Equipe, Paris’ standout player Kylian Mbappe would likely miss the first leg owing to a thigh injury he suffered in the match against Montpellier. Additionally uncertain are Renato Sanches and Presnel Kimpembe. Meanwhile, players like Lucas Hernández, Manuel Neuer, Sadio Mane, Noussair Mazraoui, and Eric Choupo-Moting may not travel to Paris with the German giants.
Form Guide: PSG
The Parisians performed admirably in the group stage of the competition but came in second. Despite having the same number of points and goal differential as Benfica, they finished in second place because of their high number of away goals.
PSG played six games, winning four and drawing two of them. Both of the games that were drawn were against Benfica, who took first place for the aforementioned reason. PSG put up 16 goals while giving up 7. They now sit atop the table and are in control of Ligue 1.
PSG has been entirely focused on domestic football since the Champions League draw, picking up three victories before the World Cup. The French champions have suffered four losses since coming back, falling to Lens, Rennes, Marseille, and Monaco, yet they continue to lead Ligue 1. However, Kylian Mbappe’s injury has made him ineligible for the first leg, which is an additional drawback.
Bayern won 1-0 on their last visit to Parc des Princes in the quarter-finals two seasons ago, although PSG advanced on the away goals rule, having earlier prevailed 3-2 in Germany.
Back in 2017-18, these teams split home victories during the group stage and Christophe Galtier will be hoping to secure an advantage ahead of traveling to Munich this time.
Form Guide: Bayern Munich
Bayern won all of their games during their group stage and took first place. They have made it clear that they want to win the most coveted football trophy for a record-eighth time by placing in a group with Inter, Barcelona, and Viktoria Plzen.
In addition to winning all of their games in the qualifier, the Bavarians also gave up just two goals. Surprisingly, both of them were against Viktoria Plzen. Bayern continues to rule the Bundesliga year after year and is now at the top of the standings.
The perfect time for Bayern Munich to start improving his form arrived. After three straight draws in the Bundesliga, Julian Nagelsmann made a few minor alterations, several players recovered from injuries and the World Cup, and Bayern was able to get back on track.
They have now scored at least three goals in each of their last three victories. They were superior against Bochum at the Allianz Arena on Saturday, defeating Bochum 3-0 after defeating Wolfsburg at home and Mainz on the road, both by scores of 0-4.
How the game could go
PSG, one of the top football teams in the world, frequently faced off against Bayern. In the last five Champions League games, the Bavarians have prevailed. Bayern won three of the five games while PSG only prevailed in two.
The likelihood that Kylian Mbappe may miss the next game is one of the problematic factors for PSG. Similarly to this, there are various rumors regarding Neymar’s ailment. If both of them are unable to play, Bayern is more likely to win. However, Bayern is also without a few players, including Sadio Mane, Lucas Hernandez, and Manuel Neuer.
The mindset on both sides should make for a very effective game. PSG cannot tolerate playing poorly at home, and Bayern will not be amenable to the rivals imposing their brand of football. We anticipate an offensive strategy at both ends, and since there won’t be any calculations, taking over 2.5 goals makes sense.
Betting Predictions
BTTS (YES)
Global superstars like Neymar, Lionel Messi, Serge Gnabry, and Jamal Musiala will share a pitch at the Parc de Prince in this titanic first-leg tussle, and both sets of attackers are unlikely to finish empty-handed in the French capital. Both PSG and Bayern hold perfect strike rates in the Champions League this season and BTTS has landed in 100% of Paris St. Germain’s fixtures in the tournament so far. Expect that trend to continue under the lights in this one. With the way both teams set up at the back, it is sure to be goal-fest. Bet9ja have 1.42, 1xbet have 1.44 and Paripesa have 1.44 odds.
Over 2.5 goals
The Champions League is once again the largest prize and the main objective for PSG and Bayern Munich this season because domestic dominance is typically ensured. Our second prediction is that there will be a ton of goals in the PSG vs. Bayern UCL clash. Anything less than three or four goals on Tuesday would be a massive surprise because both clubs are significantly superior on offense than they are on the defensive. Bet9ja have 1.46 odds, Paripesa have 1.48, and 1xbet have 1.48 odds.
Anytime Goalscorer (PSG)
Lionel Messi
Although the Argentine forward was excluded from this weekend’s game due to injuries we can say he was rested for today’s game. He has had a good return to league action since his stellar world cup performance scoring three goals in five games since his return. He has a big history with today’s opponents and he can score for his side today. Bet9ja have 2.30 odds for him to score while Paripesa have 2.62.
Neymar
The absence of Mbappe would be felt but the experience of him and Messi up top should be enough for the team to see this one through. Neymar was on the scoresheet the last time these two sides met and judging by his form in his previous games he looks likely to score again here today. Bet9ja have 3.35 odds for him to score while Paripesa have 3.20.
Anytime Goalscorer (Bayern Munich)
Jamal Musiala
The wonderkid hasn’t stopped dazzling football fans with his impressive football skills this season. He is the team’s top scorer in the Bundesliga and he hasn’t opened his account in the UCL this season. It looks as though we can get a goal or two from here today. Bet9ja have 3.30 odds for him to score while Paripesa has 3.60 odds.
Leroy Sane
The German forward is one of the few players without any injuries up top for Bayern this season. He has scored four goals in the UCL this season making it a very impressive campaign for him. With two goals in his last four games, he looks like a solid threat going into this game for Bayern Munich. Bet9ja have 3.00 odds for him to score while Paripesa has 3.20 odds.
Football Lover. All-round junkie of the beautiful game. Could be found watching football most of the time. If not he’s writing about them or making some punditry you don’t agree with. A certain bias for Arsenal and Santos FC.
