Manchester United registered back-to-back wins last week, and now they’re riding a four-game undefeated streak in all competitions before a pivotal European clash against PSG. The Red Devils lost 0-2 in the first leg of this Champions League’s Round of 16 tie, so they will be forced to turn things around on French soil. United need to score at least two goals to even think about a potential penalty shootout, and three or to think about an automatic advancement to the next round. By all means, a tough assignement against one of the best-assembled teams in Europe. This match will be held at Parc des Princes. Kick-off will be at 20:00 GMT.
Team News
Unfortunately, Manchester United will look like a nursery home heading into this contest. Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard, Ander Herrera, Alexis Sanchez, Nemanja Matic and Antonio Valencia have been ruled out due to injuries. Paul Pogba is suspended after being sent off in the first leg. And the trio of Phil Jones, Matteo Darmian and Anthony Darmian has been listed as questionable. However, none of these three players are expected to play a role in this contest.
On the other hand, PSG will recover an important player since right-back Thomas Meunier has been declared fit; the Belgian had previously missed the first leg due to concussion-related symptoms. But two of the team’s best attackers have already been ruled out, as both Neymar and Edinson Cavani won’t see action in this one. Stanley Nsoki has been listed as doubtful, but let’s be honest here. The 19-year-old midfielder wasn’t expected to play a big role on this match even if he was fit.
Form guide
Manchester United might be riding a four-game undefeated run in all competitions previous to this game, but their Champions League form has not been anything to brag out. While The Red Devils finished second in a complicated Group H that also included Juventus, Valencia and BSC Young Boys, they had more problems than expected. Plus, they suffered a disappointing 0-2 home loss in the first leg of this tie against the Ligue 1 champions. All things considered, Manchester United have posted a W3, D1, L1 mark in the Champions League, and are coming off two consecutive losses. That’s far from the ideal European form they’d like to have entering his decisive match.
Meanwhile, PSG have been absolutely impressive on both the domestic and the European level. Topping the Ligue 1 by a wide margin and with the title all but wrapped up, Les Parisiens are focusing on the Champions League and appear to be on track to reach the quarterfinals. They topped an incredibly tough Group C that also featured Liverpool, Napoli and Crvena Zvezda, and also secured the aforementioned win over Manchester United in the first leg of this tie. All things considered, the Ligue 1 giants have posted a W4, D2, L1 mark in the Champions League. They’ve also gone undefeated in their last six European matches. They’re on the right track entering this one, that’s for sure.
What is our recent record against PSG and French clubs?
Manchester United and PSG have only played one competitive match in the past; that match was the first leg of the current tie (2-0 PSG win at Old Trafford). But despite that loss, The Red Devils have looked absolutely impressive when playing against French sides. In all competitions, The Red Devils have played 29 times against French opponents. They have delivered a W15, D11, L3 mark over that span.
Predicted outcome
As it has been a trend during recent weeks, Manchester United will be shorthanded in this game. And to make things even more complicated, they don’t look like the better side entering this match. In fact, it wouldn’t be surprising if PSG dominate this match, to the point that this will will likely finish with only one team scoring. Manchester United will certainly be competitive here. However, there’s a chance that’s just not enough against PSG. Therefore, all signs indicate United’s European campaign will come to an end this Wednesday.
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