Manchester United come into this tie knowing a point is all they need to secure qualification into the round of 16 of the UCL, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has outlined that his boys are keen on coming away with all three points with first place a target for Manchester United. Thomas Tuchel’s side have had a torrid UCL campaign so far but secured a vital 1:0 win last time out against RB Leipzig and know that three points are paramount with the Parisian club currently only ahead of RB Leipzig with goal difference but three points off United who currently sit atop Group H.
Manchester United Team News
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed that he has a full squad to choose from with De Gea and Telles recovering from knocks they suffered against Southampton, Anthony Martial has also fully recovered from illness and should be included in the squad for the game against PSG. Scott McTominay and Paul Pogba are also back in training but seem unlikely to start. Luke Shaw has also started training with the first team after his hamstring Injury against Everton but is unlikely to be involved here. Tuanzebe is unavailable due to suspension and Phil Jones remains a long term absentee.
Paris Saint-Germain Team News
Thomas Tuchel has problems of his own with a hugely depleted squad but he’ll be able to welcome back Idrissa Gueye and Presnel Kimpembe after the duo missed the last game die to suspension. Marco Veratti also got his first start in a while against Bordeaux on Saturday and looks likely to start in this one alongside former United Midfielder Ander Herrera who will be keen on being involved in this one. Neymar and Marquinhos should be fit enough to start in this one but Bernat, Draxler, Kehrer, Sarabia, Icardi and Kurzuwa remain unavailable.
Key Matchups
Fernandes vs Marquinhos
Manchester United look set to once again deploy a midfield diamond and the numerical superiority this could present them in the middle of the park if well exploited could be crucial against this PSG side. Bruno Fernandes will look to take up good positions in between the lines and it will be interesting to see how well Marquinhos will be able to deal with the threat of the Manchester United man. Bruno Fernandes can be a pretty frustrating player at times but there are no doubts about his quality and he’ll be looking to get on the ball as often as possible and look to pick out the runs of the likes of Rashford and Cavani.
Mbappe vs Lindelof/AWB
It could be a long night for the Manchester United defence with Ole likely to set up with 4 ATB in the absence of Tuanzebe and Shaw and it could be interesting to see how they cope against the pace of Mbappe who has looked a little off it in recent times but could very well thrive here if United decide to deploy a high line which seems unlikely. PSG primarily look to play off the left and it will be no surprise to see Mbappe interchanging with Neymar and picking up positions out wide and then look to drive at Aaron Wan Bissaka. The communication from the United defenders will have to be at its best with the PSG forwards always keen on rotating their positions and it will be interesting to see how well United cope with this.
Cavani vs Kimpembe/Danilo
The Uruguayan striker comes into this one off the back of a brace at the weekend against Southampton and he’ll be hoping to get on the scoresheet against his former side and it will be interesting to see how Kimpembe and Danilo cope with the movement of Cavani. With deliveries out wide from Telles and with Fernandes looking to pick out any runs into the box and with Paul Pogba likely to come off the bench it could be a long night for the PSG centre backs. Kimpembe and Danilo could also be crucial when PSG try to play out from the back with United likely to look to close out passing lanes and force PSG to go long.
Conclusion
This is an insanely huge tie for both sides and with both teams currently in inconsistent form it’s a difficult game to call but goals seem likely from both sides with a plethora of attacking talents available at the disposal of both teams. United have faired fairly better away to PSG and lost 2:0 the last time both teams met at Old Trafford. PSG must have avoid a loss and United need at least a draw to go through.
Manchester United 2:1 PSG
Main Photo: