The final showdown between PSG and Valencia is waiting in Paris, France. Two teams will face each other to fight for the next round of Champions League. PSG have the advantage, as they have beaten the Spanish side by 2-1 in Mestalla. PSG is in fine form in all completions where as Valencia is on a roller coaster ride this season.
Both sides need to cope with squad changes as they will miss some very important players. Ibrahimovic was sent off in the 1st leg and received a two match ban. This is a big blow for PSG. On the other side, Valencia will miss both Rami and Ricardo Costa in defense which can create a massive void in the back
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Recent form
PSG:
Wed 13/02/13 UCL Valencia 1 – 2 PSG
Mon 18/02/13 LI1 Sochaux 3 – 2 PSG
Mon 25/02/13 LI1 PSG 2 – 0 Olympique Mars…
Thu 28/02/13 CDF PSG 2 – 0 Olympique Mars…
Sat 02/03/13 LI1 Reims 1 – 0 PSG
Valencia:
Sat 09/02/13 PRD Celta de Vigo 0 – 1 Valencia
Wed 13/02/13 UCL Valencia 1 – 2 PSG
Sun 17/02/13 PRD Valencia 2 – 0 Mallorca
Sat 23/02/13 PRD Real Zaragoza 2 – 2 Valencia
Sun 03/03/13 PRD Valencia 2 – 2 Levante
Probable Absences
PSG: Ibrahimovic.
Valencia: Rami, Ricardo Costa.
Probable Line-ups:
PSG:
Announced Squad: TBD
Probable Formation: 4-2-2-2
Probable Line-up: Sirigu, Van Der Wiel, Alex, Thiago Silva, Arnand, Pastore, Menez, Verrati, Mora, Lavezzi and Gameiro.
Tactics: CBs hardly surging foreword, VDW combining well with Lucas Mora. Verrati acting as a deep lying playmaker and hovering in front of the back four, hitting on counters with fast wingers. Gameiro and Lavezzi trying to build a good attacking partnership.
Valencia CF:
Announced Squad:
- Goalkeepers: Diego Alves, Vicent Guaita, Felipe Ramos.
- Defense: Joao Pereira, Barragán, Víctor Ruiz, Mathieu, Cissokho.
- Midfield: Albelda, Éver, Piatti, Dani Parejo, Tino Costa, Guardado, Feghouli.
- Offence: Jonas, Canales, Valdez, Soldado
Probable Formation: 4-2-3-1
Probable Line-up: Guaita; Pereira, Ruiz, Cissokho, Guardado; Albelda, Banega, Canales, Mathieu, Soldado, Feghuoli.
Tactics: Low defensive line, midfield linking with both offence and defense as Banega tries to hold possession. Mathieu and Feghouli pushing on the wings, as Roberto Soldado looks for goals.
Key Battles
The midfield battle will be the key as PSG midfield needs to cope well with Banega in order to ensure a good result in this match. PSG’s defense needs to also silence Roberto Soldado to avoid all kinds of dangers in front of PSG goal.
Bottom-line
PSG is more likely to progress to the next stage. They will play at their home ground and have a goal advantage. A late goal in the 1st leg gave Los Che a glimpse of hope, but it will be hard for them to get a result that will move them into the next round of CL as Valencia is missing important parts of their defense. After checking reality PSG is more likely to move into the next round but Valencia really has nothing to lose. Anything is possible. A thrilling encounter might be waiting for us. Football is very unpredictable and this is why it is a beautiful game.
AMUNT!
-Rezaur Rahman (twitter: @Rezaur_Rahman)
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