This summer at Paris Saint-Germain has taken an unexpected turn. Instead of the Qatari owners splurging on pricey forwards, there’s been a shift towards more strategic planning.
The impact of this approach will soon be visible as Luis Enrique debuts his team in the Champions League, facing a challenging opener against Borussia Dortmund.
Last season saw fans growing distant from star players like Lionel Messi and Neymar, so their departures weren’t shocking. Kylian Mbappe seemed set to leave, but he’s staying for another season, eyeing a potential move to Real Madrid later.
In a significant overhaul, PSG has focused on a French foundation, welcoming new faces like Ousmane Dembele, Randal Kolo Muani, and Lucas Hernandez.
The team’s performance under former Spain coach Enrique has been inconsistent, with a mix of wins, draws, and a loss in their first five Ligue One games. Dortmund, heading to Parc des Princes for the Group F opener, might see an opportunity here.
With other formidable teams like Newcastle and Milan in this group, a good start is crucial for both teams. Dortmund, despite their own shaky league beginning, seemed more cohesive in their recent 4-2 win over Freiburg.
Betting
Despite a rocky start, PSG is favored to win at 4/6 odds with Bet365. Bettors might be tempted by Dortmund’s odds of 4/1.
Previous
The two sides have met just four times, resulting in a win each and two draws. Their last face-off in the Champions League three years ago saw PSG triumphing with a 2-0 win in Paris. PSG’s recent home game against Bayern Munich, another German team, resulted in a 1-0 loss.
Players
Mbappe, with six goals in his last four club matches, stands out for PSG. He’s 10/11 at Bet365 to score, but odds improve to 3/1 if betting on him for the first goal.
