Leipzig struggles to continue against familiar foe
The gulf in class between these two sides was evident in the biggest game of the hosts’ embryonic history, last season’s Champions League semi final to which the Parisians ran out convincing 3-0 winners. Having been embarrassed in a 5-0 defeat against an inconsistent Manchester United last time out in the competition, Julien Nagelsmann will be looking for a reaction from his team. I was amazed to see that Thomas Tuchel’s side are odds against to come away with all three points in Germany on Wednesday, and in that see them as an excellent value punt. Expect there to be goals and for the French champions to assert their dominance.
Market
Despite the hammering in the last meeting between these two and drawing a blank in their last two matches, the bookies fancy Leipzig to get something in this one, which is staggering to me considering the form in front of goal the Parisians have shown both in Ligue 1 and in the Champions League post lockdown. Led by Kylian Mbappe, the 2020/21 finalists will go for the jugular in this outing, looking to make up for their matchday one defeat to Manchester United at the Parc des Princes.
Domestic form
After losing their first two matches of the season, with half the squad it seemed contracting COVID-19, a win streak of seven league games has seen Tuchel’s men quickly returedn to the summit of the French top tier. Even though the likes of Lille and Rennes have started the campaign impressively, the seven straight wins see the Parisians two points clear at the top, having not conceded since the opening two.
Nagelsmann’s side looked very good, winning four of their first five before losing their unbeaten record away to Borussia Monchengladbach at the weekend, a direct rival in looking to push for Champions League qualification once again this term. They have however won their last four home games, three of those four by a two goal margin or better. PSG have been immaculate on the road of late, winning the last five to nil, all by two or more goals.
Although there have been hopeful signs for Leipzig, particularly in the form of attacking left sider Angelino, it will not be enough against a side with realistic aspirations to reach the latter stages of the competition for the second consecutive season. PSG should expose Leipzig’s inexperienced leaky backline.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
Angel Di Maria missed a first half penalty to put the Parisians 2-0 up, and went on to rue that failure as Leipzig came back to win 2-1.