Bayern Munich face their first big Champions League test vs. PSG

Bayern Munich travel to face Paris Saint-Germain in the second gameweek of  the ’17-18 Champions League.

The Bavarians face their first stern test in this season’s Champions League when they face Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday. Bayern Munich will be eager to bounce back from a disappointing performance against Wolfsburg this past weekend in the  Bundesliga.

Carlo Ancelotti’s men started their Champions League campaign in a perfect way after a 3-0 win over Anderlecht in the first gameweek. However, the German champions have struggled by their lofty standards in Bundesliga. They sit third in the Bundesliga table, three points behind their rivals Borussia Dortmund.

Paris Saint-Germain have had a wonderful start to their season as they remain unbeaten in Ligue 1. The French club dropped their first points of the season when they were held to a goalless draw against Montpellier on Saturday. They began their Champions League campaign with an emphatic 5-0 win over Celtic in the first gameweek.

Team News-

The German champions will have a strong side to field against Paris Saint-Germain. Thiago Alcantara and David Alaba returned to first team training on Monday. The Spaniard didn’t feature against Wolfsburg due to a minor knock. Alaba, meanwhile, has recovered from the injury that kept him sidelined for more than a month.

Ancelotti confirmed in his press conference that he has the whole squad fit bar Manuel Neuer and Juan Bernat. Neuer suffered a foot injury last week which will keep him out for three months. Bernat started doing gym work as he continues to make a recovery from a knee injury suffered in Bayern’s pre-season tour.

Predicted XI-

Carlo Ancelotti will have to field his strongest eleven to get a positive result against PSG. Sven Ulreich will start in goal despite a poor performance against Wolfsburg on Friday. Mats Hummels and Javi Martinez will probably form the center-back partnership. Joshua Kimmich has been excellent this season and will retain the right-back position.

On the left hand side, Ancelotti will have to take decision on David Alaba as the Austrian returns to fitness. The Italian has been eagerly waiting on Alaba’s fitness and bar any last minute problem he will most probably go for Alaba. In the center of the park Ancelotti is likely go for a three man midfield which will consist of Sebastian Rudy, Arturo Vidal and Thiago Alcantara.

Ancelotti has a good selection headache as all attacking players are fit for this game. Arjen Robben and Kingsley Coman will occupy the right and left wing position respectively. Robert Lewandowski will lead the line for the Bavarians as a big performance will be needed from the Polish international.

"UlreichKimmich – Hummels – Martinez – AlabaRudy – Vidal – ThiagoRobben – Lewandowski – Coman"

Opposition Focus-

Paris Saint Germain broke the transfer record for a single player last summer when they activated the €222 million release clause of Barcelona’s Neymar. They also made Kylian Mbappe the most expensive teenager after his arrival from Monaco.

The French club has a devastating front three of Edinson Cavani, Neymar and Mbappe. There will be some key battles between the star players of Bayern Munich and PSG’s attacking players. Bayern will not be able to enjoy a lot of possession as PSG also have quality midfielders in the centre of the park. Ancelotti needs to get the right balance in midfield for this game as the team which will win the midfield probably will go on to win this game.

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Bayern will have to defend resolutely as PSG also have devastating pace on counter. Along with the above mentioned forwards, the French club also have the likes of Angel Di Maria, Lucas Moura and Julian Draxler to come off the bench.

Predictions-

Paris Saint Germain 2-3 Bayern Munich