As Group C moves into matchday four, Paris Saint-Germain face a tough trip to Naples where they will play Carlo Ancelotti’s Napoli. Visiting the San Paolo is never easy and it comes at a bad time for Thomas Tuchel’s team. Struggling in the group, PSG currently sit third, behind Napoli and group toppers Liverpool. In a game featuring many star players, matchday four presents a must-win situation for both teams.
Paris Saint-Germain Travel to Naples
Team News
Expected to set up in a flexible 4-3-3, Napoli will look to stifle Paris Saint-Germain on the night. Ancelotti will set his team up to keep possession and even switch to a 4-4-2 when necessary. Key defender Kalidou Koulibaly is set to start alongside Raúl Albiol, with on-loan keeper David Ospina also expected to start. Summer signing Simone Verdi is unavailable, with regular wide man José Callejón expected to start. One unknown is whether or not veteran Marek Hamšík will play, with young midfielder Fabián Ruiz in contention to start once again. Set to play in front of a sold-out San Paolo, Napoli come in full of confidence. After almost stealing three points in Paris, Ancelotti’s team can expect PSG to be aggressive on the night, with Tuchel’s side in desperate need of a win.
Expected to deploy their usual 4-2-3-1 on the night, Paris Saint-Germain cannot afford to lose on Tuesday. The team welcomes back Gianluigi Buffon, with the 40-year-old back from suspension. Buffon’s place in the team isn’t guaranteed, with Champions League regular Alphonse Areola also in contention. Key players Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Edinson Cavani are all expected to travel for Tuesday’s game. However, Cavani is a doubt for the game, with the Uruguayan struggling with a hamstring injury. The team will also be without full-backs, Dani Alves and Layvin Kurzawa.
A Must-Win Game for Both Teams
As Liverpool face bottom feeders Red Star Belgrade, both Napoli and PSG expect Jürgen Klopp’s team to pick up all three points. This puts both teams in a tricky situation. In desperate need of a win, Tuchel knows his only real expectation is to win in Europe. Dropping into the Europa League would be a disaster for the German in his first year in charge of the club.
For Ancelotti, a win is expected after the game in Paris. The Partenopei can take a big step towards qualification with a win on Tuesday. However, when you come up against a motivated PSG team, led by some of the best players in the world, you have a tough task, even at home. The San Paolo will be sold-out, with the intense, loud atmosphere hoping to carry their team to victory.
Predictions
After a classic 2-2 draw at the Parc des Princes, both teams come in needing a win. Producing a disappointing performance at home, Paris Saint-Germain need to react. This is when the likes of Neymar and Mbappe step up and produce on the big stage. Tuesday’s game is sure to be entertaining, with both teams heavily motivated. Napoli know they can beat PSG, after an eventful game in Paris. Just seconds away from victory, Angel Di Maria’s last-second goal cost Napoli all three points. PSG, on the other hand, must perform after a disastrous performance on matchday three, something they won’t want to replicate.
A must-win game for both teams, the likely result is a draw, something neither team wants. These are two managers who are aware of their current situation. Whether it’s Tuchel or Ancelotti, someone needs to take a risk, otherwise, it could be curtains for their teams Champions League hopes.
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