Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) will kick off their 2024/25 Champions League campaign at home, welcoming Girona to the Parc des Princes on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. This matchup will be particularly significant as Girona is making their Champions League debut, while PSG looks to assert their dominance early in the competition. With PSG starting their domestic season in fantastic form and Girona facing some early struggles in La Liga, this encounter promises to be an exciting yet challenging one for the visitors.
PSG’s Strong Start to the Season
PSG has been on fire since the beginning of the Ligue 1 season. Even without their star forward Kylian Mbappe, who left during the summer transfer window, PSG has not faltered. Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola have quickly stepped up to fill the attacking void, helping the team secure dominant victories.
Luis Enrique’s side has won their first four matches in Ligue 1 with ease, displaying excellent teamwork, a high press, and fluid attacking play. With key players such as Marco Asensio also contributing, PSG enters this Champions League fixture full of confidence.
Key Players to Watch for PSG
- Ousmane Dembele: The French winger has been a standout performer since joining PSG, with his pace and dribbling ability terrorizing defenses.
- Bradley Barcola: Barcola has emerged as one of PSG’s top attackers this season, stepping up with crucial goals and assists.
- Marquinhos: PSG’s captain and defensive leader, Marquinhos, will be key in ensuring that PSG stays solid at the back.
Girona’s Champions League Debut
Girona’s incredible third-place finish in La Liga during the 2023/24 season secured them a spot in UEFA’s top-tier competition for the very first time. However, their early performances this season suggest that they might find it tough to repeat that success. Girona has already suffered losses to Atletico Madrid and Barcelona and currently sits in eighth place in La Liga.
One of Girona’s biggest challenges will be dealing with the departure of several key players from last season, including Savinho, Aleix Garcia, and Artem Dovbyk. These exits have left the squad slightly weakened, and Girona will need to perform at their very best to get anything out of this game against a strong PSG side.
Key Players to Watch for Girona
- Viktor Tsygankov: The Ukrainian winger is one of Girona’s most exciting talents and will be tasked with leading the attack against PSG.
- Oriol Romeu: Recently returned from injury, Romeu will play a crucial role in midfield, providing defensive stability.
- Arnaut Danjuma: The summer signing has already made an impact and could be Girona’s biggest threat going forward.
Likely Lineups for PSG vs Girona
PSG is expected to make a few changes to their lineup due to injuries. Gianluigi Donnarumma is out with a thigh injury, and midfielders Warren Zaire-Emery and Vitinha are also doubts. Marco Asensio may take up a withdrawn forward role, while Marquinhos and William Pacho could start at center-back.
PSG Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):
Safonov; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Vitinha, Neves, Fabian; Dembele, Asensio, Barcola.
Girona will also be missing some key players, with Ricard Artero and Jastin sidelined due to injuries. Yangel Herrera remains a doubt, but Oriol Romeu is expected to make his return to the starting XI.
Girona Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):
Gazzaniga; Frances, Lopez, Blind, Gutierrez; Martin, Romeu, Solis; Tsygankov, Ruiz, Danjuma.
PSG vs Girona Predictions: Jambobet Betting Insights
With PSG in superb form and Girona facing their first-ever Champions League match, the odds are heavily stacked in favor of the French champions. According to Jambobet, PSG is expected to win comfortably, with a goal over 2.5 prediction due to their attacking prowess.
Score Prediction:
PSG 3-0 Girona
Expect PSG to dominate this match from start to finish. Luis Enrique’s side has the firepower to overwhelm Girona’s defense, and with home advantage at Parc des Princes, PSG should secure all three points with relative ease. Girona may struggle to create clear chances, especially against PSG’s well-organized defense.
Predicted Goal Scorers:
- Ousmane Dembele: With his pace and trickery, Dembele is likely to find the back of the net in this fixture.
- Marco Asensio: Playing in a more advanced role, Asensio will be a key player for PSG in the attacking third and could get on the scoresheet.
- Bradley Barcola: After a strong start to the season, Barcola is expected to continue his goal-scoring form in this Champions League opener.
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Girona’s Uphill Battle
For Girona, this match will be an immense learning experience. Making their Champions League debut against a team of PSG’s caliber is a tough ask, especially with some key players unavailable. However, Girona is not without talent, and players like Tsygankov and Danjuma have the potential to create problems for PSG if given the opportunity.
Girona’s best chance to get something out of this game will be to stay compact defensively and hit PSG on the counterattack. They must also capitalize on any mistakes made by PSG in midfield or defense. However, PSG’s home advantage and form make an upset highly unlikely.
Conclusion: PSG to Start Strong
PSG should have little trouble securing a comfortable win against Girona in their Champions League opener. Girona’s inexperience at this level and the loss of key players over the summer will likely hinder their ability to compete with PSG’s well-oiled machine. Expect a high-scoring game with PSG dominating possession and creating numerous chances.
Jambobet’s Predictions:
- PSG to win
- Over 2.5 goals
- Goal Scorers: Dembele, Asensio, Barcola
As PSG looks ahead to tougher fixtures in the group, including a trip to Arsenal on Matchday 2, they’ll be keen to get off to a perfect start and build momentum for the rest of the Champions League campaign.
