The five dangers of Paris Saint-Germain

Paris Saint-Germain is the solid leader of French Ligue 1. They are seven points clear of Olympique Marseille with eight games to play and is more than just a team built on the back of an open cheque book after investing 106M euros last season and 147M euros this season. With ex Barca star Zlatan Ibrahimovic leading the charge, PSG have more than just talent up their sleeve to worry Barca.

PSG in the air

The average height of the expected starting eleven for PSG is 1.80 cm to Barca’s 1.76 cm. Ibra (1.95), Alex (1.88), Pastore (1.87) and Thiago Silva (1.83) pose a threat in the penalty area that has bagged them 10 goals this season: six from corner kicks (3 in the league and 3 in the Champions League) and four from a free kick on the wings (3 in the league and 1 in the Champions League).

Six goals have been from headers, from six different players: Gameiro, Matuidi, Ibra, Sakho, Alex and Thiago Silva. PSG are a real threat in the air for Barca taking into account the Catalan club’s fragile defense of late. Of the 53 goals that Barca has conceded this season, nine have been from headers.

A lethal counter attack

With the talented and tireless Verratti Matuidi in the midfield, Lucas Moura on the right with Lavezzi (5 goals in the Champions League) and Ibrahimovic up front up in the 4-4-2 formation, they are constant threats to Barca on the counter attack. Against Valencia in the first leg, PSG only had 37% of the ball possession and 41% in the second leg. In the Champions League so far, PSG’s average is 49% to Barca’s 69%. Stoppage of play may be another factor: 103 fouls committed by PSG to only 64 committed by Barcelona.

Ibrahimovic – a key player

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, with 25 goals in the French league and two in Europe, has the best goal assists rate with five decisive passes in the Champions League along with Angel Di Maria. His excellent shielding of the ball is a lifeline to Ancelotti’s men.

Strong at home

The competence at home of Paris Saint-Germain is another plus point for the French outfit. Since their last defeat at home last November against Rennes, PSG has managed to notch up 11 wins and two draws.

Opting for the triple with Bayern Munich

PSG’s regularity has led them to be, along with Bayern Munich strong contenders to win the triple. In Europe no one has won more games (6 from 8). Barca has won 5.