The gap in quality is too great: PSG vs Slovan Bratislava prediction
The opening-round Champions League match between PSG and Slovan Bratislava will take place on 9 September at the Parc des Princes. The Parisians begin their title defence after winning the Champions League in each of the last two seasons, while the Slovak club return to the league phase after a difficult qualifying campaign.
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PSG: poor start to the season after European triumph
Luis Enrique's side won the Champions League again last season, overcoming Monaco, Chelsea, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Arsenal in the knockout stages. However, the Parisians have started the current campaign much less convincingly and are still without a win in four domestic matches.
In their latest game, PSG lost 2-1 at home to Monaco. Despite the inconsistent results, the team's attacking potential remains enormous thanks to Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Désiré Doué.
Slovan Bratislava: difficult qualifying campaign and a dip in league form
Slovan came through several qualifying rounds, overcoming Iberia, Mjällby and Celje in succession. In the decisive tie, the Slovak side needed extra time to secure their place in the league phase.
Their domestic form has been less convincing, with Slovan sitting fourth after two consecutive defeats. In their previous Champions League campaign, the team lost all eight matches in the league phase.
Probable line-ups
- PSG: Safonov, Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes, Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz, Doué, Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia.
- Slovan Bratislava: Takáč, Blackman, Bajrić, Marković, Cruz, Ibrahim, Pokorný, Martínez, Barseghyan, Šporar, Kamara.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- PSG have won the last two Champions League titles.
- Slovan lost all eight matches in their previous appearance in the league phase of the competition.
- Slovan's only previous visit to the Parc des Princes ended in a 1-0 defeat in the 2011/12 Europa League.
The hosts should take all three points comfortably: PSG vs Slovan Bratislava prediction
PSG are still some way from their best form, but the gap in individual quality between the teams is simply too great. It is particularly important for the Parisians to make a strong start to the competition after a run of disappointing results in France.
Slovan may be able to take advantage of the occasional mistake from the hosts and create a few chances, but coping with the pressure for the entire match will be extremely difficult. If PSG make the most of their attacking superiority, the winning margin could be substantial.
