The Champions League has been around for so long that it rarely, if ever, throws any new ties around. Therefore, when one comes, it immediately becomes the focus. PSG vs AC Milan is one such tie and with the added storylines at the surface, it is the game to watch on UEFA Champions League’s Matchday three.
PSG are starting to find a rhythm after a nightmare start to the season. They have won their last two league games and have a point to prove in the UCL.
Their last game was a 4-1 defeat to Newcastle that sent shockwaves across the footballing world.
AC Milan’s UCL campaign hasn’t gotten out of first gear yet. In the group of death, they have two points to show after two games, with both games being scoreless draws.
Their league form is better as they’re just a point behind Inter in second place. However, this fixture is a tough one against an opponent with a wounded pride.
Here’s the match preview, buildup, team news, and more as Milan travel to Paris in the marquee clash of this group of death!
PSG vs AC Milan preview
The Group of Death is finely poised. After two games, the number of points of the four teams reads- 4,3,2,1.
Newcastle, who were expected to be fighting against Dortmund for the 3rd spot have shown they have arrived at this stage and are here to stay.
That makes it likely that this battle of European giants might end up being a direct face-off for the second qualification spot.
For both these clubs, going out in group stages will be an unmitigated disaster.
Due to this being a home game for PSG, the pressure is on them to get all three points. A draw might suit Milan, but the difference between one and three points here could be all that matters once the fixtures are finished.
Luis Enrique is finally starting to get a grip on proceedings at PSG and the home support will be vital for the Parisiens to knock off Milan here.
Stefano Pioli, on the other hand, will be hoping to meet the uncertain PSG side of the season start for whom every game looked like a potential banana skin.
PSG vs AC Milan predicted lineups
PSG team news
PSG go into this game with no new injuries as their only absentees are all long-term. Nuno Mendes, Presnel Kimpembe, Sergio Rico, and Marco Asensio will continue missing games and there’s no positive update on either of these players.
Enrique is close to settling on an undisputed first XI but when the squad is of such quality, it’s hard to have certain starters. Still, some players have impressed greatly and would be expected to star here as well.
The main conversation is in attack, where Randal Kolo Muani will fight against Goncalo Ramos for the striker berth. Ramos has been Enrique’s preferred choice and it would continue here.
Predicted PSG XI: Donnarumma, Hakimi, Skriniar, Marquinhos, Hernandez, Ruiz, Vitinha, Ugarte, Dembele, Ramos, Mbappe
AC Milan team news
AC Milan’s injury problems run a bit deeper than their opponents. Ismael Bennacer, Mattia Caldara, and Samuel Chukwueze will miss this game but the status of Ruben Loftus-Cheek is one to keep an eye on.
The former Chelsea man is expected to recover from an adductor injury and play a role in this game.
The team had a tough fixture against Juventus on the weekend in which they had to play more than half of the game with 10 men after Thiaw’s red card.
Therefore, some rotation could be on the cards as Piolo opts for fresh legs to tackle PSG’s energy.
Predicted AC Milan XI: Maignan, Florenzi, Kalulu, Tomori, Hernandez, Adli, Musah, Krunic, Pulisic, Leao, Giroud
PSG vs AC Milan prediction
This is a must-win for both sides but Milan can be cut a little bit of slack here as it’s an away game. For PSG, the heat will be turned up and a fast start is needed.
Otherwise, anxious fans reeling from the 4-1 dismantling by Newcastle will get on the players’ backs. That is when AC Milan will smell blood and pounce on the chance to cause an upset.
However, expect Enrique’s men to rise to the occasion and put their Newcastle demons behind them with a win here. AC Milan won’t make it easy though.
FootTheBall predicts PSG 2-1 AC Milan.