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PSG are in great need of a commanding victory to boost their spirits and put an end to their winless run. Slovan Bratislava have been struggling lately, so I am predicting a heavily one-sided game in Paris.
Key Stats
- PSG have won their last 3 home matches (Champions League).
- PSG have scored 14 goals in their last 4 home matches (Champions League).
- Slovan Bratislava have lost their last 8 matches (Champions League).
This Will be Their Third H2H Meeting
These two sides clashed twice in the Europa League group stages in 2011.
PSG Tagged Massive Favorites
After starting the new season with a 2-1 comeback victory against Aston Villa to win the UEFA Super Cup, PSG have hit a rough patch, currently riding a negative four-game winless run.
After losing the French Super Cup finals to Lens 1-0, the Saints were behind by two goals in their next two league games against Rennes and Lille but somehow salvaged two points from these clashes (2-2 on both occasions) thanks to stoppage time goals.
Their problems resumed last weekend with a 2-1 home loss against Monaco. Luis Enrique's side dominated the pitch with 2.32-0.50 expected goals, 68% possession and 10-2 shots on target but still lost.
Visitors Led by Yaya Toure
This is the second UCL main stage appearance for Slovan Bratislava who eliminated three opponents in the qualifiers.
They had no problems in the first two rounds, beating Iberia 3-1 on aggregate and Mjallby 4-1 on aggregate, while being pushed to the limit in the playoffs, beating Celje 3-2 on aggregate in extra-time.
Slovan Bratislava appointed Yaya Toure as the new head manager earlier this summer. Speaking of their domestic results, after winning their first four games in the Slovakian top tier, Slovan lost two games in a row and currently sit in 4th place.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
PSG (4-3-3) Matvey Safonov; Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Joao Neves, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz; Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Quentin Ndjantou remains out following hamstring surgery, while Nuno Mendes is expected to start regardless of thigh problems. Recent signing Ferran Torres netted two goals in Ligue 1 but should start on bench.
Slovan Bratislava (4-3-3) Dominik Takac; Alen Blackman, Kenan Bajric, Svetozar Markovic, Yuri Cruz; Rahim Ibrahim, Filip Pokorny, Mauricio Martinez; Tigran Barseghyan, Andraz Sporar, Mohamed Camara
Andraz Sporar had fitness problems last week but is expected to start here. Mykola Kukharevych is not travelling to Paris due to an injury.