PSG vs AC Milan: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

One of them will move a step closer to the knockout stages with a victory

In this season's UEFA Champions League's 'Group of Death', Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan meet at Parc des Princes for round 3 of group-stage matches.

PSG will look to rebound from defeat in the last game at the hands of Newcastle United, which exposed their vulnerabilities. The French club's high possession stats have not translated into consistent success. Now, they aim to avoid consecutive group-stage losses for the first time since 2004. Meanwhile, they are high on back-to-back league wins following their setback in the Tyne.

AC Milan, on the other hand, have struggled to score in the Champions League this season. In the two group-stage matches so far they have scored zero goals. But at the same time, they have conceded none as well, boasting a solid defense. Historically, Milan have been strong against French teams and are a challenging adversary. The Rossoneri will be going to the game following a defeat against rivals Juventus in the Serie A.

Both teams are eager to make their mark in this highly competitive group and secure a place in the knockout rounds of the Champions League.

Kick-off

Wednesday, 25th October 2023, 8:00 PM GMT

Thursday, 26th October 2023, 12:30 AM IST

Location: Parc des Princes

Form

PSG (all competitions): W-W-D-L-W-W

AC Milan (all competitions): W-W-W-D-W-L

Players to watch

Kylian Mbappe (PSG)

Despite going through another transfer window of flirting with Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappe just cannot seem to find a clear way out of PSG. However, he has not let anything come in his way of scoring goals. The French star boy has already scored 8 goals in 8 games in the Ligue 1 while scoring a goal in the Champions League this season as well. Now, the onus of leading the attack from the front will be on him if the Parisians are to beat AC Milan.

Olivier Giroud (AC Milan)

What Olivier Giroud, at 37 years of age, is showcasing right now is beyond belief. 4 goals and 3 assists as Milan's striker, Giroud has been undroppable from the starting XI. Talk about 'aging like a fine wine'. Further, he has also showcased his all-round prowess while goalkeeping in the game that saw Mike Maignan being sent off. Another spell-bounding performance from the veteran would mean that the travelling Italians and Milan fans could be in for a treat.

Match facts

• PSG are unbeaten in the last 3 games against the Italian sides.
• AC Milan have only lost thrice in 16 UCL games against the French sides.

Injury and team news

PSGIn the upcoming game, PSG will welcome the return of four key players, Ousmane Dembele, Achraf Hakimi, Layvin Kurzawa, and Randal Kolo Muani, who were suspended in the previous game. Unfortunately, the French outlet will be without Presnel Kimpembe and Nuno Mendes due to injury, with Marco Asensio's participation uncertain due to a foot issue.

PSG's defense is anchored by Milan Skriniar, a former Inter defender, who has an impressive track record against Milan. Gianluigi Donnarumma, PSG's goalkeeper, faces his former club for the first time since his departure.

AC MilanThe Rossoneri will be missing several players for their travels to Paris. Marco Sportiello, Samu Chukwueze, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Ismael Bennacer are all unavailable. However, the first-choice goalkeeper, Mike Maignan, returns after a Serie A suspension.

Theo Hernandez and Rade Krunic are expected to start in the lineup. Milan's preferred attacking trio of Rafael Leao, Olivier Giroud, and Christian Pulisic is likely to remain unchanged, despite failing to score in their recent match.

Head-to-head

Matches: 4

PSG: 0

AC Milan: 2

Draws: 2

Predicted lineup for PSG vs AC Milan

PSG Predicted lineup (4-3-3)

Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Skriniar, L. Hernandez; Zaire-Emery, Ugarte, Vitinha; Dembele, Ramos, Mbappe

AC Milan Predicted lineup (4-3-3)

Maignan; Calabria, Thiaw, Tomori, T. Hernandez; Musah, Krunic, Reijnders; Pulisic, Giroud, Leao

Match prediction for PSG vs AC Milan

PSG and AC Milan have a very odd history. While it is understandable as to why PSG were unable to overcome heavy-duty Milan sides of the past, now, even though they look fierce on paper, they have been lacking the confidence. We call another draw for the Italian side in the UCL group stage but they could be seen scoring this time around.

Telecast details

India – Sony Sports Network

UK – TNT Sports

US – CBS, TUDN

Nigeria – SuperSport