Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Champions League match.
Paris Saint-Germain find themselves in a precarious situation, as their Champions League progression hangs by a thread. They are compelled to fight for a place in the knockout stages, and their current form raises a multitude of questions. Their opponents, Red Bull Salzburg, have all but lost their chance of advancing beyond the group stage. If there's a match for PSG to collect points, it has to be this one.
Red Bull Salzburg
Red Bull Salzburg are enduring tough times. After five rounds, the Austrians have managed just one win and suffered four defeats, failing to score in four of those games. They concede an average of three goals per match, and their attack has faltered, with only three goals scored across five fixtures. The Austrian league shows a similar picture, with just one victory in their last seven matches. Injuries have exacerbated their troubles, with the absence of Maurits Kjærgaard and Aleksa Terzić limiting Matthias Jaissle's options.
Paris Saint-Germain
Despite their star-studded line-up, Paris Saint-Germain have also struggled for consistency. The Parisians have only one win from five matches in the Champions League, while in Ligue 1, they are winless in their last two games. Inefficient finishing is the main concern for PSG. Over their last three matches, they have scored just once, despite creating numerous clear-cut opportunities (with an average xG of two). Nonetheless, Paris Saint-Germain remain potent in attack, averaging 2.64 goals per game in Ligue 1.
Red Bull Salzburg vs Paris Saint-Germain Prediction
On paper, PSG appear to be the overwhelming favourites, especially given the weakness of their opponents. Salzburg are unlikely to contain the attacking prowess of the visitors, considering their defensive frailties. The Parisians are expected to break through, as they consistently create chances that outclass their opponents. Therefore, we back a convincing win for PSG.