Bayern Munich host Paris Saint-Germain in a UEFA Champions League blockbuster this Tuesday at Allianz Arena. Both sides need to win with the Germans in 17th on six points and the French 25th with only four points from as many games.
Even a win for Vincent Kompany or Luis Enrique will not disguise that this has been a sluggish start for both sides this edition, but things will look a lot worse if they lose. Bayern have won six consecutive games coming into this one since a 4-1 loss to Barcelona earlier this season.
A 3-0 win over Augsburg means that the Bundesliga giants are six points clear at the German summit as they seek to win back their title from Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen. Meanwhile, PSG also lead the way in Ligue 1 after a 3-0 win over Toulouse on Friday which has also created a six-point advantage.
Bayern beat PSG home and away in the last 16 of the 2022-23 UCL edition while the Germans also won 1-0 in the 2020 final although Les Parisiens exacted some revenge the following year with a quarterfinal win on aggregate after a 3-2 win in Munich. Although history favors Bayern, Luis Enrique's Parisiens have shown that they can pull big performances out of the bag in Europe and they badly need it now.
Bayern Munich vs. PSG predicted lineups, team news
Joao Palhinha remains sidelined with an adductor issue. Meanwhile, Mathys Tel is a doubt due to a knock. Aleksandar Pavlovic and Josip Stanisic are back in training but may start from the bench.
Leon Goretzka is likely to feature in midfield, with Serge Gnabry and Konrad Laimer expected to return to the starting XI. Harry Kane will lead the attack.
Bayern Munich predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Neuer (GK)— Laimer, Upamecano, Kim, Davies— Kimmich, Goretzka —Olise, Musiala, Gnabry— Kane.
Injured: Palinha, Tel (doubtful)
Suspended: None
The visitors have a few injury concerns as well. Senny Mayulu, Lucas Hernandez, Goncalo Ramos, and Presnel Kimpembe are all unavailable due to injuries. Nuno Mendes remains doubtful with an ankle issue.
Marquinhos is set to return from suspension, alongside Vitinha, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Willian Pacho.
PSG predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): Donnarumma (GK)— Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes— Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Neves— Dembele, Asensio, Barcola.
Injured: Mayulu, Hernandez, Ramos, Kimpembe, Mendis (doubtful)
Suspended: None
Bayern Munich vs. PSG Prediction
Bayern Munich’s strong form and home advantage make them the clear favorites for this match. PSG have struggled to score goals and are dealing with several injuries, which could hurt their chances against a well-organized Bayern team.
With Harry Kane in excellent form and Bayern’s defense looking strong, the hosts are expected to dominate the game.
