Manchester United vs PSG: Preview, Dream XI and more
Manchester United will have their task cut out when they face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League round of 16 encounter. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side lost the first leg at Old Trafford 0-2. The injury-hit Premier League outfit will need to produce a remarkable show in order to stun the French champions. Here is the detailed match preview.
In the first leg, PSG scored two goals in the second half. Angel Di Maria's corner kick saw Presnel Kimpembe slot in the opener in the 53rd minute. And then the sensational Kylian Mbappe killed off the tie from a Di Maria assist.
Manchester United have plenty of top players missing out. Alexis Sanchez was the latest to join the injury table over the weekend. Phil Jones is out with illness. Anthony Martial, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, Ander Herrera, Nemanja Matic, Antonio Valencia and Matteo Darmian are all injured. Paul Pogba is out with suspension. For PSG, Neymar sits out. Edinson Cavani could return to the bench.
United manager Solskjaer said, "Goals always change games. We've got to get the first goal and then anything can happen. If we get the first one we would start believing more and then they might start doubting themselves." PSG manager Thomas Tuchel said, "We clearly would like to control the pace of the game, control counter-attacks very early in the game."
PSG have netted 35 goals in their last 10 UCL home games. The hosts have lost just one of their last 16 UCL games at home. United have won only one of their last 10 Champions League knockout matches. Marcus Rashford has scored only one goal in his last nine UCL matches. The visitors have lost their last two away UCL matches this season.
United talisman David de Gea leads the line in goal in this fantasy side. PSG duo Marquinhos and Kimpembe form a solid central defensive partnership. United's Luke Shaw and Ashley Young provide the width as full backs. A three-man mid-field sees Di Maria (vice-captain), Marco Veratti and Andreas Pereira come together. Mbappe (captain) and Rashford support main striker Romelu Lukaku upfront.
The match is set to be held at the Parc des Princes. It's going to start at 1:30 AM IST. The match can be telecast live on the Sony Ten Network. One can stream the match live on the Sony LIV app as well.
