European Champions PSG hosts outright betting favourites Barcelona in a mouthwatering Champions League clash. Get the latest match preview, team news, betting tips, predictions and TV information ahead of this blockbuster clash at the Parc des Princes.
PSG v Barcelona match details
- Date: Tuesday, October 20
- Kick-off: 20:00
- Venue: Parc des Princes, Paris
- Competition: Champions League league phase
- TV: TNT Sports 2, Virgin Media Two
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Preview
The new Champions League format was introduced to deliver more heavyweight contests early in the competition, and a week after PSG’s slugfest at the Etihad, the European champions will again have their mettle tested against a rampant Barcelona side.
The Spanish champions are on course to score over 160 goals in LA LIGA this season, and Hansi Flick’s men have transferred their domestic dominance into continental competition by scoring nine times in just two Champions League outings this term.
Incredibly, PSG have gone one better with ten goals, but Manchester City showed in the second half last week that they can be got at, setting up a potential classic at the Parc des Princes.
Barcelona are threatening to break all kinds of records this season. The Catalan club maintained their perfect start to the campaign with a commanding 5-2 victory over Real Betis on Saturday, extending their winning streak to 11 matches in all competitions. The result also saw Hansi Flick’s side match a club milestone by scoring at least three goals in nine consecutive fixtures. Their attacking exploits have extended to Europe, where they have become the first team to net four or more times in four successive Champions League league-phase matches. Flick’s average of three goals per game in the competition is also the highest of any Barcelona manager to have overseen at least five matches.
While Flick is likely to have focused on the defensive frailties shown by PSG during last week’s game in Manchester, his side are also far from impenetrable. Despite his side’s prolific scoring, Flick’s Barcelona have struggled to keep opponents at bay, conceding an average of 1.6 goals per Champions League game, the worst record of any Barça manager to have taken charge of at least five matches. They have now gone 17 consecutive games without a clean sheet in the competition, setting an unwanted club record.
PSG, the back-to-back European champions, would surely enter the conversation of being one of THE great European club sides if they can wrap up a third consecutive Champions League crown this season. Last week’s win in Manchester extended their unbeaten run in the Champions League to 12 matches, winning eight and drawing four to move within one game of equalling their club record, set in 2013.
Luis Enrique’s men, who currently lead the league-phase standings, will be eager to continue their impressive run, particularly on home soil. They have won their last four Champions League home games, scoring at least five goals in three of those victories.
Goals have been a regular feature of late for both sides, with eight of PSG’s last nine matches producing at least three goals. Barcelona have been similarly entertaining, with both teams finding the net in six of their previous seven outings, suggesting this clash could offer plenty of attacking action.
The recent history of this fixture also suggests we could be in for a vintage night of Champions League action, with both teams scoring in each of the last six meetings. The most recent of those clashes was just last year, as PSG ran out 1-2 winners at the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona.
PSG were involved in arguably the best Champions League game of all time last season, a 5-4 win at home to Bayern Munich in the semi-final first-leg. There is no reason that this game can’t enter a similar level of ludicrousness.
Team News
PSG will be without Nuno Mendes due to a thigh injury, with Senny Mayulu and Alessandro Longoni also unavailable for the hosts.
Barcelona recently welcomed Raphinha back to fitness but will be without Andreas Christensen and Roony Bardghji, while Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, Gerard Martin and Gabriel Jesus are all doubts after picking up knocks in the weekend victory over Real Betis. The quartet will need to be assessed before their availability for the trip to Paris is confirmed.
Predicted Lineups
PSG XI (Predicted): Safonov; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Digne; Ruiz, Vitinha, Neves; Doue, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia.
Barcelona XI (Predicted): J Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martin, Cancelo; Pedri, Rodri; Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Gordon; Raphinha.
Verdict
Over 4.5 goals has clicked in two of the last three run-ins between these two titans, and an abacass may be required again tonight.
BEST BET: Over 4.5 goals (6/5)
PSG v Barcelona details
When is Paris Saint-Germain vs Barcelona in the Champions League?
Paris Saint-Germain vs Barcelona takes place on Tuesday, October 20, and kicks off at 20:00.
Where is Paris Saint-Germain vs Barcelona being played?
The venue for the game is Parc des Princes, Paris, with a capacity of over 48,000.
Where can I watch Paris Saint-Germain vs Barcelona?
UK viewers can tune in via TNT Sports 2, while Virgin Media Two has the game in Ireland. Streaming options such as HBO Max and the Virgin Media Player are also available.
What is the match betting for Paris Saint-Germain vs Barcelona?
PSG 11/8, Barcelona 11/8, the draw 340/100. Full markets.
