PSG vs Girona Preview & Prediction | 2024-25 UEFA Champions League | League Phase

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A new era dawns in the French capital as PSG embark on their first Champions League campaign without Kylian Mbappe since 2017, beginning with a home match against Girona, who are appearing in Europe for the first time.

KICK-OFF DATE/TIME: Wednesday September 18th 2024: UK – 8:00pm / US ET – 3:00pm / US PT – 12:00pm

HOW TO WATCH ON TV: UK – TNT Sports 4 / US – CBS Sports

HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: UK – discovery+ / US – Paramount+

PSG PREVIEW: FRENCH GIANTS DESPERATE TO BREAK EUROPEAN DUCK.

Unsurprisingly, PSG’s summer has been dominated by the loss of star striker Kylian Mbappe, who moved to Real Madrid, bringing to an end a hugely successful seven-year-spell at the Parisians where Mbappe racked up 256 goals in 308 appearances across all competitions. However, amid all the domestic titles won by PSG with Mbappe leading the line, one trophy that eluded them was Europe’s grand prize. Still, PSG are yet to lift the Champions League despite the vast array of world class players who have graced the club under the ownership of Qatari Sports Investments.

Of course, Luis Enrique’s Ligue 1 champions remain a formidable outfit minus Mbappe and have invested heavily in the squad this past transfer window. Portuguese wonder-kid Joao Neves stand out as their marquee signing with centre-back Willian Pacho and midfielder Desire Doue also joining the club for substantial fees.

GIRONA PREVIEW: VENTURING INTO EUROPE FOR THE FIRST TIME

Girona make their Champions League debut following their wonderful 2023-24 campaign under Michel, which saw the 48-year-old guide his side to a third-place finish in La Liga. It’s been a remarkable journey for a club in the second tier of Spanish football when Michel became head coach and the feeling is that they aren’t done yet.

It’s been a summer of extreme turnover for Girona, who have lost a large number of players but at the same time recruited several others. The headline departure is that of Artem Dovbyk, top-scorer in La Liga last season with 24 goals, who has joined AS Roma, but as it stands Girona have not missed their former striker, scoring seven across their last three games.

PSG TEAM NEWS: ENRIQUE TO FACE CHOICE BETWEEN EXPERIENCE AND YOUTH

The Parisians are facing injury question marks within their midfield with Warren Zaire-Emery and Vitinha both doubtful. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma should miss out, with Safonov expected to deputise.

PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Safonov; Hakimi, Pacho, Beraldo, Nuno Mendes; Lee, Neves, Ruiz; Dembele, Asensio, Barcola

UNAVAILABLE: Donnarumma (Injured), L. Hernandez (Injured), Kimpembe (Injured), Ramos (Injured)

QUESTIONABLE: Zaire-Emery (Injured), Vitinha (Injured)

GIRONA TEAM NEWS: HERRERA IN RACE AGAINST TIME TO FEATURE

Midfielder Yangel Herrera is the only injury concern for Girona, with the Venezuelan international desperately hoping to prove his fitness ahead of their trip to France.

PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Gazzaniga; Frances, Lopez, Blind, Gutierrez; Martin, Romeu, Solis; Gil, Tsygankov; Ruiz

UNAVAILABLE:

QUESTIONABLE: Herrera (Fitness)

KEY STATS

• PSG have won four of their last six UEFA competition matches against Spanish teams (L2).
• PSG have lost only two of their last ten UEFA competition matches against Spanish teams (W6 D2).
• PSG have lost only one of their last 36 home matches in the Champions League group stage (W28 D7).
• PSG have not failed to score in their last 50 Champions League group stage matches, since a 1-0 defeat away from home against Real Madrid in November 2015.
• PSG have lost on Matchday 1 in only two of their last 12 Champions League campaigns (W7 D3).
• Girona are the 14th Spanish team to feature in the Champions League proper. Malaga were the last Spanish debutants in 2012/13 (reached the quarter-finals).
• Girona have lost only one of their last six competitive matches away from home (W3 D2).

PSG VS GIRONA PREDICTION

Whilst Kylian Mbappe may no longer be around, PSG remain a European heavyweight and one of the favourites to line up in Munich for the 2024-25 Champions League final. But to achieve that, they need to get through the new league phase with no dramas and any other outcome would be a huge shock. Having said that, Girona won’t be afraid of going toe-to-toe with the Parisians, even away from home and any lapses in concentration from the hosts could be punished.

Over the course of 90 minutes, the PSG frontline are likely to have fashioned a significant number of clear-cut opportunities and are more than capable of racking up a significant number of goals. Other Champions League clubs such as Atletico Madrid and Barcelona have scored multiple times already this season against Girona and a team of similar quality in PSG should continue this trend in Europe. Back the hosts to triumph by at least two clear goals.

PSG VS GIRONA TIP: PSG TO WIN WITH -1 HANDICAP