Paris Saint-Germain vs Girona: Champions League Match Preview and Team Updates

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) will commence their 2024-25 UEFA Champions League campaign against Girona at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday. As the reigning champions of Ligue 1, PSG have shown dominance, clinching the French title in six of the past seven seasons. On the other hand, Girona, a surprising contender in La Liga, finished third in the previous season, marking a significant achievement for the Spanish club.

The French giants, under the leadership of Luis Enrique, are enjoying a successful start to their domestic season with four consecutive victories. They are entering a challenging phase with six matches scheduled over 19 days, including a forthcoming match against Arsenal. Therefore, a strong start against Girona is deemed crucial. PSG’s best performance in the Champions League remains their 2019-20 final appearance, but they have remained formidable at home, having lost just once in 36 Champions League matches since the 2012-13 season.

For Girona, this match marks their debut in the UEFA Champions League. Despite a mixed performance in La Liga this season, with two wins, a draw, and two losses in their first five matches, the team led by Michel hopes to create history much like previous Spanish debutants Villarreal, Sevilla, and Malaga, all of whom reached the knockout stages in their first attempts.

As for the team news, PSG will be without Goncalo Ramos, Presnel Kimpembe, and Lucas Hernandez due to injuries. Players like Warren Zaire-Emery and Vitinha have been doubtful but might return in time for the match. Potential starters include Lee Kang-in, Fabian Ruiz, and Joao Neves, with Marquinhos and William Pacho anticipated to make appearances as well. The possible PSG lineup could see Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, with Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, and Nuno Mendes in defense, accompanied by Lee, Ruiz, and Neves forming the midfield trio. Ousmane Dembele, Randal Kolo Muani, and Bradley Barcola might lead the attack.

For Girona, Ricard Artero and Jastin are unavailable, and Yangel Herrera might miss out following an injury. Oriol Romeu, who was ineligible against his parent club Barcelona, returns and is expected to contribute to the midfield alongside Ivan Martin and Jhon Solis. The attacking responsibilities may fall on Abel Ruiz ahead of Bojan Miovski and Cristhian Stuani, supported by wide players like Portu, Bryan Gil, Viktor Tsygankov, and Arnaut Danjuma. The probable Girona lineup includes Paulo Gazzaniga as goalkeeper, with Arnau Martinez, Juanpe, Daley Blind, and Miguel Gutierrez in defense.

While Girona aims to present a formidable challenge, PSG is anticipated to start their Champions League journey with a victory, potentially maintaining a clean sheet along the way. The expected score prediction favors PSG securing a 2-0 win over Girona.