Manchester United vs PSG: Match Prediction Today - Football Predictions and more
Manchester United welcome Paris Saint-Germain to Old Trafford as Champions League football returns to Europe. Although both teams are more than just known to the fraternity, this will be their first-ever competitive meeting.
As far as the home side is concerned, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is scripting his own fairy tale at Manchester, which in turn will heat up this contest, as the Red Devils are no more the side that would look to park buses against the bigger sides. Instead, they seem to be having distinct roles within their ranks and a purpose.
Or as Jim Beglin said in their previous fixture, Manchester United are 'relevant' again. PSG meanwhile, succumbed to a first league defeat to Lyon at the start of the month, but have, of course, steadied the ship from there on.
United have a fantastic record against French sides, as they have never been on the wrong side of a result against a team from France, with 10 wins and four draws. But, they'll be wary of the fact that PSG are a different proposition altogether.
How will the sides set up?
The big boys of United, rather, the more preferred players under Solskjaer, will return straight into the starting XI. While they will set up in a 4-3-3, it will be interesting to see how a two-man midfield comprising of Marquinhos and Verratti will cope with the opposition's midfield, which is more or less their backbone.
The shield, consisting of Kehrer, Thiago Silva, Kimpembe and Bernat, however, will make the opposition work for every single attack. Moreover, it will be important for them to charge out and choke the likes of Paul Pogba for space, especially away from home.
Both sides have the attacking firepower for sure. While there's Draxler, Di Maria and Mbappe on one side, the spectacular Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard will spearhead Manchester United's attack.
Verdict
Given Manchester United's turn of form since the arrival of Solskjaer, one would definitely think twice before placing their bet. The Red Devils are playing to their strengths and sticking to what we call the basics.
The highlight of their play is how smoothly the ball is moved forward by Pogba and his fellow midfielders, or the wingers for that matter. Combine that with home comforts and the fact that PSG are missing a couple of huge names in their starting XI, and we can expect the hosts to continue their jaw-dropping run and claim the bragging rights by pipping Thomas Tuchel's troops.
Predicted score: Manchester United 2-1 Paris Saint-Germain