PSG vs Bayer Leverkusen preview

March 11, 2014
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

PSG vs LeverkusenThe tie is effectively over after Paris Saint-Germain enjoyed a remarkable 4-0 triumph at Bay Arena, but both sides are, nevertheless, expected to take the return match very seriously.

Having come a long way under Carlo Ancelotti, the Saints continued the rich vein of form since Laurent Blanc took over and are on the brink of making it to the Champions League quarter-finals for the second year in a row.

Last term they gave a very good account of themselves against then mighty Barcelona, and it does appear as though they could go one step further this time out.

With a four-match winning run ensuring the league title is already in the bag, the Saints can fully focus on their European campaign and try to reach the closing stages of the competition.

PSG produced a stunning performance against one of Germany’s top sides to win the first leg 4-0, and they are 1.40 (2/5) favourites to record another victory.

And having scored 10 goals in last 9 fixtures in all competitions, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is 1.67 (2/3) with Stan James to score anytime.

Star forward Edinson Cavani has resumed full training, while Jeremy Menez looks likely to return as well, leaving Zoumana Camara as the only player on the sidelines.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Sirigu – van der Wiel, Alex, Silva, Maxwell – Verratti, Motta, Matuidi – Lucas Moura, Ibrahimovic, Lavezzi.

Nobody knows what has happened to the team that had dominated the majority of matches in the first part of the season as Bayer Leverkusen are not even close to playing to their potential at the moment.

Die Werkself seriously damaged their top 4 hopes by picking up just one point from last four league matches, while they probably cannot wait for their Champions League campaign to end.

Following the 5-0 defeat to Manchester United in group stage, Sami Hyypia’s side suffered another embarrassing home loss in Europe, having conceded four goals to star-studded PSG squad.

And with the Bundesliga campaign obviously a priority at the moment, the boss looks set to rest some of his star players at Parc des Princes.

Emir Spahic misses out through suspension, whilst Lars Bender, Omer Toprak and Stefan Reinartz are all carrying knocks.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Leno – Hilbert, Wollenberg, Toprak, Boenisch – Castro, Reinartz, Can – Brandt, Derdiyok, Son.

We Highly Recommend These Places
Share your Opinion!