Paris Saint-Germain vs. Atletico Madrid Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Paris Saint-Germain:
Safonov; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Neves; Dembele, Asensio, Barcola
Atletico Madrid:
Oblak; Molina, Witsel, Gimenez, Reinildo; De Paul, Koke, Barrios, Lino; Alvarez, Griezmann
Paris Saint-Germain will welcome Atletico Madrid to Parc des Princes in the most interesting clash of the Champions League's fourth round. Interesting to be mention, this is the first-ever mutual game between these two European heavyweights. Paris Saint-Germain are the leaders in Ligue 1 with 26 points. They have six more than Monaco and Marseille and this should be another successful season. The problem is Arab owners are no more satisfied with domestic trophies. Nasser Al-Khelaifi is desperate to win the Champions League as he spent enormous money in new players. PSG are in solid form at the moment, they have three wins and one draw in the last four matches. The Parisians beat Strasbourg, Marseille and Lens, while played only a draw with Dutch side PSV in the Champions League. Coach Luis Enrique probably feel some pressure as PSG have won just one of the three matches in Europe. In addition, he has three injury issues - Goncalo Ramos, Presnel Kimpembe and Lucas Hernandez remain out.
Atletico Madrid are in very complicated situation. They started the Champions League campaign with a narrow 2:1 win over Bundesliga side Leipzig, but that's all they did. The Rojiblancos have suffered painful defeats in the next two rounds. They lost 4:0 to Benfica in Lisbon, but also lost 3:1 to French side Lille at home. With only three points, Atletico sit outside the first 24 places, meaning they are in the "relegation zone". If something could be rated as positive, that's a 2:0 win against Las Palmas during the weekend, with Giuliano Simeone and Alexander Sorloth scoring the goals. Diego Simeone now has unusual "problem" in attack - to include his son Giuliano Simeone, or to start with more recognized strikers like Antoine Griezmann, Angel Correa or Alexander Sorloth. Summer signing Julian Alvarez is also an option. He has been involved in 13 goals in 20 Champions League appearances to date, but it seems he can't replicate his scoring form from Manchester City. He has netted just once for the current club in Europa. Four players are injured - Robin Le Normand, Marcos Llorente and Cesar Azpilicueta are definitely out, while Thomas Lemar remains a doubt.
Paris Saint-Germain vs. Atletico Madrid Prediction:
This match is extremely important for both teams. PSG are favorites, mainly due to the home advantage, but I think the guests won't lose. Atletico suffered two painful defeats to Benfica and Lille, now I expect some reaction from Diego Simeone's men. There are lot of talented players in the squad. PSG, meanwhile, are not strong like previous seasons. Top players like Messi, Neymar and Mbappe left the club. The Parisians have just one win, against competition debutantes Girona in the first round. Even that victory was lucky, after huge mistake made by the Girona goalkeeper in the finish of the match.
Paris Saint-Germain vs. Atletico Madrid Pick: Atletico Madrid +0.5 AH @ 2.25 with
Pinnacle