Everyone can spot these two teams are not even remotely close, quality wise. But the question still remains; will Ludogorets be able to withstand PSG at Ludogorets Arena?
Looking at the group A standings, the teams each have a point, as the first round matches all ended in a draw (1:1).
PSG has hosted Arsenal at Parc des Princes, where they started the match with the bang. Cavani was able to get to the goal of Arsenal in 1′ and got an early lead for his team. It seemed as PSG will dominate the match, due to that early goal, but it was not like that. Teams played equally well and Arsenal was rewarded a goal in 78′ after a mistake of PSG defence, who failed to clear the ball away from the goal after an exceptional safe from Areola. The match then went on to finish at 1:1. The high pressure of an important match like that got to Giroud and Verratti, who both got sent off in 90’+3 due to unsportsmanlike conduct. With that in mind, they will both miss out the next match with their teams.
My personal opinion about PSG is, that they are weaker than last year, most surely due to departure of their star striker Ibrahimović, who left the squad to join Manchester United and David Luiz, who returned to Chelsea. They also already lost 2 matches in Ligue 1, but I don’t believe any team will be able to steal the title from them at the end of the season. Still, PSG is a strong team. Due to departure of Ibrahimović, Unai Emery decided to give more minutes to Cavani, who has proven he can score goals, despite having different play style to Ibrahimović. So PSG will have to work to adjust their strategy to utilize his potential. The upcoming match is of a high importance to PSG, so we can expect them to get on the pitch with the strongest team they can have and will live no room for errors.
Ludogorets can be happy to be in Champions League once again, despite them having no high expectations, they won’t give up points easily. The team is good, and they have proven that with their performance in Basel, where they managed to get a point against a team that has been a dominant force in Switzerland. They are known for having a reliable attacking line, converting a high percentage of their shots into a goals, but today they will face a team that is considered to be one of the best in the Europe, so how will their attack fare against them is yet to be seen.
VERDICT
Teams are just not on the same level, quality wise. Ludogorets is coming into a match not expecting a win, and to be fair I can’t say that neither. A draw would be exceptionally good result for them, but being that they will face PSG, who desperately needs point to compensate the draw at the home stadium, they need to prepare themselves for a tough match.
PSG will go in Bulgaria with their best men, because they are planning to return home with all 3 points. With that in mind I can say, PSG will win this match with more than just a goal.
Prediction: PSG -1.25
Odds: 1.96 Pinnacle
