Paris Saint-Germain vs Girona: Champions League Preview and Betting Guide

Date: 18/09/2024
Venue: Parc des Princes, Paris

Match Preview:

PSG vs Girona is set to be a thrilling Champions League encounter. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) starts their Champions League on the hunt for an elusive European title. They host Girona, a newcomer to the Champions League. PSG is considered the undisputed leader in French football and the favorite on a victorious outcome against the Spanish underdog, but Girona shouldn’t be underestimated; they are known for their attacking football and determination.

Odds and Betting Markets

According to GSB, the odds strongly favor Paris Saint-Germain in the PSG vs Girona match-up:

• PSG Win (1.35)
• Girona Win (7.00)
• Over 2.5 goals (1.41): Both teams should go for it, and with PSG’s quality and Girona’s open style of play, this is all but likely to see a few goals.

PSG is the comfortable pick as they have a better all-around squad and are playing at Parc des Princes. Beyond that, though, the final results are just one of many thousands upon thousands of individual betting opportunities.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Recent Form

For PSG, they have the 2024-25 season in some style, having opened their Ligue 1 campaign with four victories from four games, which has seen them net a mightily impressive 16 goals. Somehow Luis Enrique has kept them as potent in attack despite Kylian Mbappe’s summer departure.

. The team is more like one now, instead of a few individuals adding quality.

Marco Asensio and Ousmane Dembélé will join Ramos in leading the attack; highly rated midfield partnership Manuel Ugarte and Fabian Ruiz will help balance possession. PSG appear solid at the back with Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, while Marquinhos forms an irreplaceable center-back pairing.

Girona’s Rise to the Champions League

The team is playing breathtaking fine-offensive football under coach Mchel’s guidance. The team is still competitive, despite losing key players such as Savinho and Artem Dovbyk to the lure of European football and with the backing of City Football Group, the holding company that also owns Manchester City.

Girona went down 4-1 away to Barcelona in La Liga last time out, but they will aim to improve and cause a shock in Paris. As the underdogs, their open, confident style of play means this could be a match to savor.

Head-to-Head: PSG vs Spanish Clubs

PSG has a mixed record against Spanish teams:

• 17 wins
• 9 draws
• 14 losses

They’ve scored 67 goals and conceded 62, illustrating a competitive history. While Girona is a new opponent, PSG’s experience against Spanish sides in Europe will be a valuable asset.

Tactical Analysis and Key Players

PSG will henceforth dominate possession and are expected to control the game from the midfield. Girona’s strength lies in their quick transitions and pressing, trying to catch their more illustrious opponents off-guard.

PSG Key Players:

• Ousmane Dembélé: The winger’s speed and dribbling are going to make him a real menace down the right.
• Marco Asensio: With experience in both La Liga and the Champions League, Asensio could be a key figure linking up play.
• Gianluigi Donnarumma: A reliable presence between the posts, tasked with keeping Girona’s attack at bay.

Girona Key Players:

• Viktor Tsygankov: The Ukrainian winger is Girona’s main creative outlet, capable of troubling PSG’s defense.
• Valery Fernández: Girona’s versatile midfielder who can help break PSG’s midfield dominance.

Possible Lineups

• PSG (4-3-3): Donnarumma, Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Vitinha, Neves, Fabian; Dembele, Asensio, Barcola.

• Girona (4-3-3): Gazzaniga; Frances, Lopez, Blind, Gutierrez; Martin, Romeu, Solis; Tsygankov, Ruiz, Danjuma.

Final Thoughts

While PSG is the favorite in the Paris Saint-Germain vs Girona match, Girona’s spirited playstyle could lead to a slightly more competitive game than many would imagine. This opens the door to checking out a lot of different markets if you are a bettor — namely goal-related as both teams like to attack.

They may lack the experience or star power of PSG, but there could still be more surprises than anyone is expecting. With PSG’s solid form and Girona’s underdog story, this Champions League clash is poised to be an exciting spectacle.sg