Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain splashed cash left right and centre during the summer transfer window, a large chunk of which was dished out to acquire the services of Neymar, and the prime reason to do so is to better their credentials in the UEFA Champions League. Unai Emery’s side look formidable on paper and are deemed as the firm favourites to win against Celtic, whom they face in their first game of the group stage.
Celtic, on the other hand, are a surprise package and despite being the underdogs at the onset, PSG aren’t likely to take the Celts for granted. Under the tutelage of Brendan Rodgers, the Glasgow based club clinched the domestic treble and having erected an impeccable footing for themselves in the domestic competitions. They would be keen to cause an upset in the midweek fixture, and frankly speaking, a jovial mood at the Celtic Park should help their cause.
Form
The Bhoys progressed to the group stage after beating FC Astana in the playoffs by an aggregate 4-8 score line as they won the first leg 5-0 and were defeated by the Kazakhstan based outfit 4-3 in the second leg. Rodgers’ troops have had a spectacular start to their Scottish Premiership campaign, having bagged 10 points from their first 4 league outings, with their last fixture ending in a 1-4 away win against Hamilton Academical.
The Parisians have also had a cracking start to their Ligue 1 season owing to the fact that they have won their first 5 games on the trot and it goes without saying that they are in a fine nick at this stroke of the hour. Their attacking arsenal have appeared to be a nightmarish one for their oppositions and Celtic are seemingly likely to have a tough time while handling them.
Team News
Celtic’s striker Moussa Dembele is back in training but he is unlikely to be rushed into such an important fixture. Although Odsonne Edouard showcased his calibre against Hamilton, Leigh Griffiths is expected to lead the line. Erik Svaitchenko is still out owing to his knee injury and Dedryck Boyata will not be available for selection as he continues his recovery from the knee injury. As far as PSG are concerned, Angel Di Maria is still out with his hamstring injury.
Predicted Line-ups
Celtic: Gordon; Tierney, Bitton, Simunovic, Lustig; Brown, Ntcham; Sinclair, Rogic, Forrest; Griffiths.
Paris Saint-Germain: Areola; Kurzawa, Marquinhos, Silva, Alves; Rabiot; Verrati, Draxler; Neymar, Mbappe; Cavani.
Betting Odds:
Celtic: 11/1
Draw: 6/1
PSG: 1/4
