UCL Match Preview – PSG vs RB Leipzig – xT timeline, shot maps and more | OneFootball

Paris Saint Germain will welcome RB Leipzig on Tuesday for the UEFA Champions League clash at Parc des Princes.

We look at a few stats to predict the match.

PSG are on top of the UCL group stage courtesy of their better goal difference than Club Brugge with a win and a draw in two matches. Mauricio Pochettino’ men clinched a hard-fought victory over Manchester City in the last matchday and have been cruising past teams in the Ligue 1 even after not putting up comprehensive performances. They would definitely look to extend their lead up top with a win against RB Leipzig who are trying to settle their own sinking ship.

The French side have scored thrice this season conceding only once and were able to keep a clean sheet against Manchester City after a gargantuan performance from Gianluigi Donnarumma. The maestro, Lionel Messi netted his first goal for the club in brilliant fashion against City while Ander Herrera and Idris Gueye have also seen their names on the score sheet.

The above viz shows the xT timeline from the match against Manchester City. It clearly shows that despite City dominating the whole match, PSG were absolutely robust and rock-solid at the back, not faltering at any circumstances under immense pressure from the English side. They were patient enough and hit the Cityzens on the break once at the beginning and again at the end to get away with a 2-0 victory against the run of play. Donnarumma on his debut gave a masterclass performance between the sticks.

With RB Leipzig already struggling to find feet in front of goal, PSG can cruise through easily if they can put on a solid performance at the back again with Mbappe, Messi and Neymar all in scintillating form in attack.

One of the clubs who put up entertaining football on the pitch, RB Leipzig have struggled since the departure of manager Julian Nagelsmann. They have been inconsistent in the Bundesliga winning just three out of their last nine games. The Germans have failed to win both of their UCL matches and are looking for a way to turn their season around.

Scoring just four goals so far, Leipzig have conceded eight in return. Christopher Nkunku has been the only glimpse of hope in attack scoring all of their four goals in the UCL, along with a hattrick against City. This overreliance on the former PSG man has not helped Leipzig at all.

The above image shows the number of shots Leipzig had against Club Brugge. They took an early lead but then failed to make a comeback after conceding twice. They did attempt a lot of shots but failed to make the most out of it, failing to keep the shots on target. With their defence conceding six times in the first match and attack not firing, an in-form PSG at home would be absolutely difficult to stop if improvements are not made.

Angel Di Maria is set to miss the clash for the Parisians while Ramos and Navas still remain doubtful. On the other hand, Dani Olmo and Marcel Halstenberg will not travel due to injuries but Angelino will be available for selection after the end of suspension.

Predicted Lineups

PSG (4-3-3) : Donnarumma, Hakimi, Marquinhos, Kimpembe, Mendes, Verratti, Gueye, Wijnaldum, Neymar, Mbappe, Messi

RB Leipzig (3-4-2-1) : Gulacsi, Klostermann, Simakan, Orban, Mukiele, Laimer, Kampl, Angelino, Nkunku, Forsberg, Poulsen