Paris Saint-Germain will attempt to build on their fine gameweek one win over Juventus when they travel to face Maccabi Haifa.
A first-half Kylian Mbappe brace helped them secure the points last week as they got their latest quest for Champions League glory off to the perfect start.
They will be expecting a bit of an easier time against Maccabi, who lost to Benfica in their opening Group H fixture. That said, it will be the Israeli side’s first home Champions League match in 13 years, so a lively atmosphere is expected within the Sammy Ofer Stadium.
Here’s what you need to know about one of Wednesday’s most intriguing UCL clashes.
Ali Mohamed is a doubt for Maccabi after he limped out of their Champions League defeat to Benfica. It also forced him to sit out the weekend win over Sekzia Ness Ziona. He will likely be replaced by Mohammed Abu Fani in midfield.
In attack, Suf Podgoreanu will miss out due to an Achilles injury, so Omer Atzili should get a Champions League recall.
Maccabi Haifi Starting 11 (3-4-1-2): Cohen; Seck, Goldberg, Batubinsika; Eliyahu, Fani, Lavi, Haziza; Chery; Atzili, Pierrot
Bench: Mishpati, Fucs, Cornud, Arad, Dahan, Meir, Tchibota, Gershon, Levi, Eliyahu, Pierrot, David
Presnel Kimpembe will miss out for PSG, and that might not be a bad thing after his last performance. Kimpembe gave away a penalty before suffering a hamstring injury against Brest.
Renato Sanches will also miss out due to an adductor problem. However, PSG are well-stocked in midfield, and boss Christophe Galtier may consider bringing in Carlos Soler or Fabian Ruiz to rotate his squad a little.
PSG Starting 11 (3-4-1-2): Donnarumma; Danilo, Marquinhos, Ramos; Mukiele, Verratti, Ruiz, Mendes; Messi; Mbappe, Neymar
Bench: Navas, Rico, Letellier, Hakimi, Bernat, Bitshiabu, Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Soler, Sarabia, Kari
It’s difficult to imagine PSG losing this one given the sheer quality at their disposal. They are unlikely to be given it all their own way, though. After all, it’s a big occasion for Maccabi Haifa and they will not be pushovers on their own park.
Ultimately, though, you have to expect quality to tell and PSG to come out relatively routine winners.
Prediction: Maccabi Haifa 0-3 PSG
Credit: 90min.com
