Champions League
Mar 6, 2013 7.45pm
1
1
HT : 1 1
FT
  • Ezequiel Lavezzi 0' goal
  • goal Jonas 0'

Preview: Paris Saint-Germain vs. Valencia

Paris Saint-Germain vs. Valencia

Adil Rami's late strike against Paris Saint-Germain last month handed Valencia a lifeline in their Champions League last-16 clash with the French outfit.

With PSG leading 2-0 in the Mestalla, the French defender cut the deficit to one in the final minute, meaning that the tie is delicately poised ahead of the second leg in Paris.

The French outfit enter the match having won three of their last five matches in all competitions, but they were beaten 1-0 by Reims in the league last time out.

Despite that result, they currently top Ligue 1 with 54 points, while they have the best home record in the division, having won nine of their 14 matches on their own patch.

Valencia, meanwhile, have lost just one of their last five in all competitions. They have taken 42 points from their 26 league matches thus far to occupy fifth position in La Liga, just one point off the top four.

PSG have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the match, but Brazilian defender Thiago Silva is still struggling with injury. David Beckham is expected to start, meanwhile, but Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marco Verratti are both suspended.

Valencia have a host of injury problems in defence, meaning that Jeremy Mathieu could play alongside Victor Ruiz in the middle of the back four. Diego Alves could also be recalled between the sticks, along with midfielder Tino Costa.

Recent form:

PSG: WLWWL Valencia: WLWDD

Possible lineups:

PSG: Sirigu; Sakho, Alex, Armand, van der Wiel; Beckham, Pastore, Matuidi; Lucas, Gameiro, Lavezzi

Valencia: Alves; Pereira, Mathieu, Ruiz, Barragan; Feghouli, Parejo, Canales, Costa, Jonas; Soldado

Sports Mole says: 2-1

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