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Preview for Bayer Leverkusen v PSG
Bayer Leverkusen boss Kasper Hjulmand is relishing the chance to pit his side against “perhaps the best team in the world” when Paris Saint-Germain roll into town tomorrow night.
Hjulmand has steadied the ship at the BayArena following the short, chaotic tenure of Erik ten Hag and his new side have yet to lose in seven games under his stewardship.
That record will be tested against defending European champions PSG, who have yet to hit top gear this season but showed what they are capable of with a 2-1 win at Barcelona in their last Champions League game.
“PSG are perhaps the best team in the world,” Hjulmand said. “They have won five trophies in this calendar year. We have a lot of respect for them and it will be a difficult task. But we’re also looking forward to it, because Champions League matches are always great. We’re at home and are determined to show our qualities. We’ll give everything to win.”
PSG won their maiden Champions League title last season and reached the final of the Club World Cup in the summer.
Hjulmand added: “PSG are a team with top quality in all positions and all phases of the game. They have a good build-up from the back, are direct and quick, are good one-on-one and very aggressive when pressing. It’s a weapon of theirs, but it also brings risks and opportunities for us. We have confidence in our own game and I think we will have our chances.”
Leverkusen won 4-3 at Mainz on Saturday and have not lost since the opening day of the season.
The summer brought about a lot of change, including the departure of Bundesliga-winning coach Xabi Alonso, but Hjulmand is confident his team is starting to gel.
“We are on the right track.,” he said. “The team needs games and time to find each other. We are making good progress. After every game, I analyse what we’ve learned and what we need to improve. I clearly see the possibilities and the potential of this team.”
PSG have suffered with a crippling injury list over the past few weeks, no surprise given their schedule over the last 12 months, and have failed to win either of their last two Ligue 1 games, including Friday’s come-from-behind 3-3 draw with Strasbourg at the Parc des Princes.
Their walking wounded are slowly starting to return so expect Luis Enrique’s men to go through the gears before Christmas.
Team News for Bayer Leverkusen v PSG
Leverkusen will have to do without Malik Tillman, who suffered a thigh injury while on international duty with the United States.
The big news for PSG is the inclusion in the squad of Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele. The France international has not played since sustaining a hamstring injury playing for France against Ukraine on September 5. He is likely to start on the bench.
Captain Marquinhos, who has also been sidelined, is back but Fabian Ruiz and João Neves remain absent.
Predicted line-ups for Bayer Leverkusen v PSG
Bayer Leverkusen: Flekken; Badé, Andrich, Tapsoba; Arthur, Fernández, García, Grimaldo, Poku, Ben Seghir; Kofane
PSG: Chevalier; Hakimi, Pacho, Zabarnyi, Mendes, Mayulu, Vitinha, Zaïre-Emery; Kvaratskhelia, Barcola, Doué
How to watch Bayer Leverkusen v PSG: TV and online streams
Bayer Leverkusen versus PSG kicks-off at 8pm UK time tomorrow. You can watch it on TNT Sports, and stream it via the discovery+ app.
You can also watch it on the bet365 app.
Stats for Bayer Leverkusen v PSG
- Leverkusen have lost only one of their last 17 European group/league matches on home soil (W14 D2). They are unbeaten in their last nine (W7 D2).
- Leverkusen have lost only one of their last seven European games against French teams (W4 D2)
- European champions PSG have played 102 successive UEFA competition matches since they were involved in a goalless draw (against Real Madrid in 2015)
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: 101greatgoals.com
