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Paris Saint-Germain host Atletico Madrid at Parc des Princes on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at 8:00 PM UK time in a critical Champions League clash. Both sides are under pressure to improve their European campaigns after inconsistent starts, with PSG struggling to find form under Luis Enrique and Atletico facing challenges on the road.

Match Significance

PSG’s Champions League season began with a narrow win over Girona, but they have since dropped points, most recently in a 1-1 home draw with PSV Eindhoven. Despite their dominance in Ligue 1, PSG’s European performances have fallen short of expectations, and Enrique’s 40% win rate in the Champions League is the lowest among PSG managers with more than 10 games.

Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, opened their group campaign with a win against Leipzig, but defeats to Benfica and Lille have left Diego Simeone’s side needing a positive result. Atletico’s away form in Europe has been poor, with one win in their last 10 Champions League away games, adding pressure for a result in Paris.

Team Analysis

Paris Saint-Germain

PSG are without key players, including Goncalo Ramos, Lucas Hernandez, and Presnel Kimpembe, due to long-term injuries. Luis Enrique may continue with Matvei Safonov in goal, having dropped Gianluigi Donnarumma last weekend, while Ousmane Dembele and Marco Asensio could lead the attacking line alongside Bradley Barcola. Enrique will look for his side to start strongly after a series of slow starts in Europe.

Key Players: Ousmane Dembele’s creativity and Bradley Barcola’s goal-scoring form will be essential in unlocking Atletico’s defence. Achraf Hakimi’s overlapping runs and defensive solidity add an additional edge.

Atletico Madrid

Atleti will be without Robin Le Normand, Marcos Llorente, and Cesar Azpilicueta, with Thomas Lemar’s availability also uncertain. Simeone has several options in attack, with Giuliano Simeone, Antoine Griezmann, Angel Correa, and Alexander Sorloth all vying for spots. Julian Alvarez has proven reliable in the Champions League, involved in 13 goals in 20 appearances, and will be crucial alongside Griezmann.

Key Players: Griezmann’s vision and goal-scoring ability, coupled with Alvarez’s finishing, will be key for Atletico. Rodrigo De Paul’s midfield presence and leadership will be critical in maintaining balance.

Predicted Lineups: Paris Saint-Germain (4-3-3): Safonov; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Neves; Dembele, Asensio, Barcola

Atletico Madrid (4-4-2): Oblak; Molina, Witsel, Gimenez, Reinildo; De Paul, Koke, Barrios, Lino; Alvarez, Griezmann

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Head-to-Head and Form

This will be the first competitive encounter between PSG and Atletico Madrid, though managers Luis Enrique and Diego Simeone have faced each other 14 times, with Enrique leading their head-to-head record. PSG have been strong at home domestically, while Atletico have faltered in European away games, losing seven of their last 10.

Betting Tips and Predictions

Prediction: Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 Atletico Madrid
Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 Atletico Madrid.

Justification: PSG’s home advantage and recent form in Ligue 1 suggest they have the edge, although Atletico’s defensive resilience may keep the game close.

Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Yes. Both sides possess ample attacking firepower, making this a likely outcome.

Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 2.5. Given the stakes and attacking talent on both sides, expect a few goals.

First Goal Scorer: Ousmane Dembele. His pace and creativity make him a strong candidate to open the scoring.

Hot Stat: PSG have conceded only one first-half goal in their last five Champions League home games.