Opposition Preview: What can Bayern Munich expect from Paris Saint-Germain

On Tuesday night, Bayern Munich will take to the field for matchday five of the 24/25 Champions League season, as they welcome Paris Saint-Germain to the Allianz Arena.

FC Bayern come into the game needing a win to be in with a strong chance of a top eight finish – but what can we expect from a PSG side that is going through a transitional period following the exit of Kylian Mbappe?

Taking a look at how PSG are looking ahead of Bayern clash

It has been a mixed start to the 24/25 season for the Parisians, who currently sit top of the Ligue 1 table, with 32 points from 12 games – giving themselves a six point buffer ahead of AS Monaco in second.

However, in Europe, they have had a much more difficult time. After four matchdays, they find themselves in 25th place in the Champions League – one place outside even a play-off spot – with four points from their four games.

Luis Enrique’s side overcame Girona with a 1-0 win on match day one, but have since lost to Arsenal and Atletico Madrid, either side of 1-1 draw at home to PSV. This sort of form is something Bayern have got to take advantage of on Tuesday night.

Despite not scoring in Europe, left winger Bradley Barcola has scored ten goals in Ligue 1, which combined with his speed and 1v1 ability, clearly makes him the PSG dangerman in terms of their attack. Kim-Min Jae’s international teammate Kang-in Lee has scored six league goals, and can play either as a false nine or off the right hand side.

He may be inconsistent, but Ousmane Dembele has scored five goals and provided a further four assists so far in Ligue 1. If he plays off the right hand side, the battle with Alphonso Davies will certainly be one to watch.

Furthermore, mainstay Achraf Hakimi at right-back is a key player, and it would again be interesting to see him and Davies up against each other, if at any point the two players are involved in a race for the ball.

There seem to be two clear weaknesses for PSG. Despite some of the aforementioned league stats, they have only scored three goals in Europe this season, and one of those was an own goal. Their 11 big chances in the competition so far only ranks as one fewer than Bayern, so it seems to be a finishing issue rather than chance creation issue.

Secondly, it was very apparent in their defeat to Arsenal on matchday two that their midfield can be found wanting physically. They have a lot of technicians in there, but can be bullied. This really does feel like a game João Palhinha or Aleksandar Pavlović could have thrived in. Still, Jamal Musisla’s physicality is actually quite slept on, and could be crucial here.

READ MORE: Predicted Bayern Munich starting lineup vs PSG

Overall verdict: Whilst PSG are not as bad as their Champions League points tally suggests, Bayern should expect to win this game at home, and it will be seen as a missed opportunity should they fail to do so.