On Wednesday night, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and AS Monaco will meet at the Parc des Princes in an exciting second leg of the UEFA Champions League playoff. With a narrow 3-2 advantage obtained in the first leg, where the Parisians staged a remarkable comeback after being down 2-0, expectations for this clash are high. The reigning champions, PSG, are determined to secure their place in the round of 16, while Monaco needs an inspiring performance to overturn the deficit and cause a major upset.
The match is scheduled for Wednesday, February 25, with kick-off set for 8:00 PM BST.
**Statements from Luis Enrique**
PSG head coach Luis Enrique confirmed that Ousmane Dembélé is doubtful for the match after suffering a calf injury during the first leg at Stade Louis II. Additionally, Fabian Ruiz remains sidelined due to a knee injury, while Senny Mayulu will also be absent due to issues in the same area. Young midfielder Quentin Ndjantou is still unavailable following thigh surgery and is expected to be out for several weeks. However, Enrique can count on the return of Nuno Mendes, João Neves, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, and Vitinha to the starting eleven, all of whom were rested in the comfortable 3-0 victory over Metz. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia may replace Bradley Barcola on the left wing, while Gonçalo Ramos is expected to lead the attack.
**Challenges for Monaco**
On the other hand, Monaco’s coach, Sebastien Pocognoli, is facing a genuine injury crisis ahead of the trip to Paris. The Monegasque side will be without Aleksandr Golovin, who is suspended after being sent off in the first leg. The list of absentees is extensive, including Eric Dier (calf), Lukas Hradecky (knee), Mohammed Salisu (knee), and Takumi Minamino (knee). Christian Mawissa (thigh) and Krépin Diatta are considered doubts, while Kassoum Ouattara (calf) and Maghnes Akliouche (hip) have a long way to go to prove their fitness. However, Akliouche has already overcome his hip injury and has been included in the squad. In contrast, Ansu Fati is back after recovering from physical issues and participated in Monaco’s comeback victory over Lens last Saturday.
**Form in Focus**
PSG comes into this clash in excellent form, having won four of their last five matches across all competitions. Their most recent performance was a comfortable 3-0 home victory against Metz, with all three forwards getting on the scoresheet. The European champions have shown impressive consistency at home, having lost only once in their last 11 matches at the Parc des Princes.
On the other hand, Monaco has shown inconsistent form, making their mission on Wednesday even more complicated. After losing the first leg against PSG, Pocognoli’s team responded in the best possible way, achieving an exciting 3-2 victory over Lens, the league leaders, last Saturday. Currently, the Monegasques sit in eighth place in Ligue 1, having accumulated 34 points from 23 matches, a performance that does not align with their ambitions.
**Predicted Teams**
For PSG, the team may line up as follows: Safonov; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Neves; Doue, Ramos, Kvaratskhelia. Monaco, on the other hand, is expected to present: Kohn; Vanderson, Teze, Kehrer, Henrique; Camara, Zakaria; Coulibaly, Fati, Adingra; Balogun.
Fans in the United Kingdom will be able to watch the match live on TNT Sports 2. Tension and excitement are guaranteed, and the eyes of the world will be on this epic clash that could define the future of both teams in the European competition.
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