Salzburg vs PSG Prediction - Champions League Fixtures

RB Salzburg will host Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in a crucial Champions League clash on 10 December 2024 at Red Bull Arena. Both teams are fighting to stay in the competition, as Salzburg sits 32nd with three points and PSG is just ahead in 25th with four points.

Referee Michael Oliver will oversee the match, which promises to be intense as both teams need a win to keep their Champions League hopes alive. Salzburg will be without several key players due to injuries, further complicating their campaign. PSG is also struggling with form and injuries but is still the bookmakers’ favourite with odds of 1.28 to win.

Given the current form and squad strength of both teams, our recommended bet is for PSG to win the first half, as they are likely to dominate early on. The match is expected to feature over 1.5 goals, according to predictions. Fans can anticipate a closely contested match given both teams’ desperate need for points.

Salzburg vs Paris Saint-Germain Prediction & Betting Tip

Our betting tip for this match is to back Paris Saint-Germain to win the first half. Based on current form and squad depth, PSG is poised to take early control of the match against an injury-hit Salzburg side.

• PSG are the bookmaker favorites and have been performing better domestically than Salzburg.
• Salzburg has been conceding an average of 3 goals per match in this competition.
• PSG’s b attacking lineup is expected to break through Salzburg’s weakened defense early on.

Salzburg vs Paris Saint-Germain Odds

When it comes to the betting odds for this Champions League clash, Paris Saint-Germain is the clear favorite. Salzburg enters the match as the underdog, reflecting their struggles both domestically and in Europe this season.

Here’s how the odds stack up:

With PSG’s form, especially given their need for a win to stay competitive in the group, the odds demonstrate confidence in their ability to secure a victory. Punters might find value in betting on PSG to dominate the first half given their attacking prowess and Salzburg’s defensive issues.

Salzburg Team Analysis

Salzburg’s recent form has been a mixed bag, with two draws, one win, and two losses in their last five matches. Their defensive frailties have been glaring, especially in high-stakes matches.

• Average goals scored in the last 5 games: 1.60
• Salzburg will need to shore up their defense if they hope to earn any points against a formidable PSG side.

Salzburg Key Players

Key players for Salzburg in their clash against PSG include top scorer Karim Konate, although his absence due to a cruciate ligament injury is a significant blow for the team. Other crucial contributors will be Mads Bidstrup and Oscar Gloukh in midfield, who need to be in top form to compete against PSG’s quality. On the defensive end, the central duo of Nicolas Capaldo and Samson Baidoo will have their work cut out countering PSG’s attack, led by Goncalo Ramos. Expected lineup for Salzburg:

• Goalkeeper: Alexander Schlager
• Defenders: Nicolás Capaldo, Kamil Piatkowski, Samson Baidoo, Daouda Guindo
• Midfielders: Mads Bidstrup, Stefan Bajcetic, Oscar Gloukh
• Forwards: Moussa Kounfolo Yeo, Petar Ratkov, Dorgeles Nene

Salzburg Suspensions & Injuries

Salzburg is facing a challenging situation with a significant number of injuries that could heavily impact their performance against Paris Saint-Germain. With top scorer Karim Konaté out for the season due to a cruciate ligament injury, their attacking options are severely limited. Key defensive player Kamil Piątkowski is also sidelined, weakening their backline. The team’s depth is stretched thin with multiple players out due to various injuries.

These injuries will force coach Pepijn Lijnders to rely on his squad’s depth, which could be a tough ask in such a crucial match.

Salzburg Tactics and Formation

Salzburg Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Moussa Kounfolo Yeo
• Midfield Trio: Mads Bidstrup, Stefan Bajcetic, Oscar Gloukh
• Defensive Setup: Struggling with key defensive injuries, such as Kamil Piątkowski and Leandro Morgalla being out.

With coach Pepijn Lijnders at the helm, Salzburg will likely stick to their 4-3-3 formation. The team will look to leverage the speed and creativity of their forwards, particularly Moussa Kounfolo Yeo, to break down PSG’s defenses. Expect Bidstrup, Bajcetic, and Gloukh to control the midfield, focusing on tight ball control and quick transitions.

Defensively, they are weakened due to several key injuries, which may force them to adopt a more conservative approach. Alexander Schlager’s performance as the goalkeeper will be essential in keeping their defensive structure intact.

Paris Saint-Germain Team Analysis

Paris Saint-Germain’s recent form has been a mixed bag with 2 draws, 2 wins, and 1 loss in their last five matches:

• They achieved 2 clean sheets.
• However, they have a tendency to stumble in critical matches, highlighted by their loss to Bayern Munich. This mixed form under Luis Enrique sets up an intriguing clash against Salzburg.

Paris Saint-Germain Key Players

Paris Saint-Germain’s key players to watch include their top scorer, Achraf Hakimi, who leads their goal tally with 1 goal. His attacking prowess from the backline can be pivotal. Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal provides a steady defensive foundation, having kept 2 clean sheets in their last 5 matches. In midfield, the trio of João Neves, Vitinha, and Fabian Ruiz will be crucial in dictating the tempo and controlling possession.

Potential key individual battles include Hakimi against Salzburg’s wingers and Goncalo Ramos up front challenging the defensive line of Salzburg.

Expected lineup for Paris Saint-Germain:

• Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma
• Defenders: Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes
• Midfielders: João Neves, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz
• Attackers: Warren Zaïre-Emery, Goncalo Ramos, Bradley Barcola

These players’ performances could be decisive in ensuring PSG’s dominance in the match.

Paris Saint-Germain Suspensions & Injuries

Paris Saint-Germain face this crucial Champions League clash with notable absences due to injuries and suspension, potentially impacting their performance.

Injuries

Suspensions

The absence of Ousmane Dembélé, known for his creativity and pace, limits PSG’s attacking options. Presnel Kimpembe’s muscle injury, while improving, might leave the backline somewhat vulnerable if he’s not fully fit. The potential mid-December return of Senny Mayulu means he’ll just miss out on this game, raising questions about defensive depth. These absences mean that PSG’s depth and tactical flexibility will be tested against Salzburg.

Paris Saint-Germain Tactics and Formation

Paris Saint-Germain’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Gonçalo Ramos
• Midfield Trio: João Neves, Vítinha, Fabian Ruiz
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Focus on quick transitions and pressing high up the pitch

Luis Enrique’s Paris Saint-Germain side will look to dominate Salzburg with their typical 4-3-3 formation. The front trio, likely consisting of Gonçalo Ramos, Warren Zaïre-Emery, and Bradley Barcola, will aim to exploit Salzburg’s defensive frailties. The midfield, anchored by the industrious João Neves, alongside Vítinha and Fabian Ruiz, will focus on controlling possession and quick transitions from defense to attack. Defensively, the side will rely on the experience and leadership of Marquinhos to maintain stability at the back, while Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes will provide width and support in both attack and defense. PSG’s strategy will likely involve pressing high up the pitch to disrupt Salzburg’s build-up play and capitalize on any errors.

Salzburg vs Paris Saint-Germain Head-to-Head Statistics

The previous encounters between Salzburg and Paris Saint-Germain date back to the 2011 Champions League group stage. The results from their past meetings are as follows:

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