PSG and AS Monaco face each other in a UEFA Champions League play-off second leg on Wednesday evening at the Parc des Princes.
The defending champions hold a slender 3-2 advantage from the first leg, where they mounted a remarkable comeback after trailing 2-0 in Monaco.
PSG will be looking to secure their passage to the round of 16, while Monaco need an inspired performance to overturn the deficit and cause a major upset against the holders.
PSG vs Monaco – Match preview and team news
- Date: Wednesday, 25th February.
- Kick-off: 8pm BST.
- Venue: Parc Des Princes, Paris
PSG team news
Luis Enrique has confirmed that Ousmane Dembele remains doubtful for the match after suffering a calf injury during the first leg at the Stade Louis II.
Fabian Ruiz continues to be sidelined with a knee injury, while Senny Mayulu is out with a calf problem. Young midfielder Quentin Ndjantou remains unavailable after recently undergoing thigh surgery and is expected to be out for several weeks.
Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho and Vitinha are all expected to be recalled to the starting XI after being rested for the weekend’s comfortable 3-0 victory over Metz.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia may come in for Bradley Barcola on the left wing, while Goncalo Ramos could lead the line.
Monaco team news
Monaco boss Sebastien Pocognoli faces a mounting injury crisis ahead of the trip to Paris. The Monémegasques will be without the suspended Aleksandr Golovin, who received a red card in the first leg for a reckless challenge.
The injury list is extensive for the visitors. Eric Dier (calf), Lukas Hradecky (knee), Mohammed Salisu (knee), and Takumi Minamino (knee) are all confirmed absentees.
Christian Mawissa (hamstring) and Krépin Diatta are considered major doubts, while Kassoum Ouattara (calf) and Maghnes Akliouche (hip) are facing an uphill battle to prove their fitness. However, Akliouche has shaken off his hip injury and has been included in the travelling squad.
On the positive side, Ansu Fati is back fit after recovering from his recent injury concerns and completed Monaco’s comeback victory off the bench at Lens on Saturday evening.
Form
PSG
PSG come into this fixture in excellent form, having won four of their last five matches across all competitions. Their most recent outing saw them cruise to a 3-0 home victory over Metz in Ligue 1 on Friday, with all three members of their front line finding the net. The reigning European champions have been in particularly impressive form at home, losing just once in their last 11 fixtures at the Parc des Princes.
Monaco
Monaco’s recent form has been a mixed bag, making their task on Wednesday evening all the more challenging. But after the first-leg defeat to PSG, Sebastien Pocognoli’s side bounced back spectacularly with a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory at league leaders Lens on Saturday.
The Mongasques have struggled to maintain consistency throughout the season, currently sitting eighth in Ligue 1 with 34 points from 23 matches.
Predicted lineups
PSG: Safonov; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Neves; Doue, Ramos, Kvaratskhelia.
Monaco: Kohn; Vanderson, Teze, Kehrer, Henrique; Camara, Zakaria; Coulibaly, Fati, Adingra; Balogun.
How to watch PSG vs Monaco?
UK fans can watch the game live on TNT Sports 2.
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