RB Leipzig vs PSG Prediction: RB Leipzig are expected to edge out PSG with a 2-1 victory in this pre-season friendly, leveraging their home advantage and more settled squad composition.
As the summer heats up, so does the anticipation for an electrifying clash between RB Leipzig and Paris Saint-Germain in a high-profile club friendly. Set to take place at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig on August 10, 2024, this match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of Europe’s most dynamic sides.
Match Preview
Both teams enter this friendly with something to prove. RB Leipzig, coming off a solid fourth-place finish in the Bundesliga last season, are eager to showcase their prowess against elite competition. PSG, on the other hand, are in a period of transition following the departure of superstar Kylian Mbappe and will be keen to demonstrate their continued strength.
This pre-season fixture offers a perfect opportunity for both squads to fine-tune their tactics and assess new signings before their respective league campaigns kick off. For Leipzig, it’s their final warm-up match before they face Rot-Weiss Essen in the DFB-Pokal on August 17. PSG, meanwhile, will use this game to prepare for their Ligue 1 opener against Le Havre on August 16.
RB Leipzig vs PSG Lineups and Formation
Predicted RB Leipzig Lineup (4-2-3-1): Seiwald, Voufack, Simakan, Silva, Openda, Orban, Klostermann, Haidara, Vandevoordt, Simons, Elmas
Manager Marco Rose is likely to field a strong lineup, giving new loan signing Xavi Simons a chance to impress against his parent club. The attack will be spearheaded by Lois Openda, while new goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt could get his first start.
Predicted PSG Lineup (4-3-3): Hannach, Soler, Gadou, Asensio, Ramos, Skriniar, Muani, Kang-in, Neves, Zague, Safonov
Luis Enrique’s side may feature several new faces, including teenage sensation Joao Neves in midfield. The attack could see a new-look trio of Asensio, Muani, and Ramos leading the line in the absence of Mbappe.
Injury Updates
RB Leipzig have no major injury concerns reported. However, they will be without Christopher Nkunku, who completed a transfer to Chelsea earlier in the summer.
For PSG, the fitness of Manuel Ugarte remains in question, with recent transfer speculation adding uncertainty to his involvement. The most notable absence is, of course, Kylian Mbappe, who is set to leave the club. Additionally, Neymar has been linked with a move away and may not feature in this friendly.
Unavailable Players
- Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig): Transferred to Chelsea, no longer with the team
- Kylian Mbappe (PSG): Set to leave the club, unlikely to feature in this friendly
- Neymar (PSG): Linked with a potential move away, participation uncertain
- Manuel Ugarte (PSG): Fitness in question, involvement uncertain due to transfer speculation
Where to Watch?
The match kicks off at 16:00 UTC. While no specific TV channels have been confirmed for the United States, international viewers may find coverage on various beIN Sports channels and Sky Sport networks in select European countries.
RB Leipzig vs PSG Live Streaming and TV Schedule
- France: beIN SPORTS CONNECT, Free, beIN Sports 1
- Germany: Sky Go, WOW, Sky Sport Bundesliga 1, Sky Sport Bundesliga UHD, Sky Sport Top Event
- Austria: Sky Go Austria, Sky Sport Bundesliga 1, Sky Sport Bundesliga UHD, Sky Sport Top Event
- Switzerland: Sky Sport Bundesliga 1, Sky Sport Top Event
Form Guide and Stats
RB Leipzig’s pre-season form has been mixed, with a recent 3-0 loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers highlighting areas for improvement. However, their home record remains strong, having won five of their last seven matches at the Red Bull Arena.
PSG drew 2-2 in their only other pre-season friendly against Sturm Graz, showing both promise and areas needing work as they adapt to life without Mbappe.
Head-to-Head
These two sides have met six times in competitive fixtures, all in the UEFA Champions League. The head-to-head record is evenly balanced, with both teams securing two wins each and two draws. Their last encounter in November 2021 ended in a 2-2 stalemate.
Key Factors to Watch
- Xavi Simons’ Performance: How will the young star fare against his parent club?
- PSG’s New Attack: Can they compensate for Mbappe’s absence?
- Tactical Approaches: Will either manager unveil new strategies?
- New Signings: Which fresh faces will make the biggest impact?
- Home Advantage: Can Leipzig capitalize on playing at the Red Bull Arena?
- Fitness Levels: How will both teams cope in this pre-season encounter?
Who Will Win?
Given the pre-season context and the transitional phase both teams are in, this match could go either way. RB Leipzig’s home advantage and settled squad might give them a slight edge, but PSG’s individual quality cannot be underestimated.
A closely contested affair seems likely, with both teams eager to impress. The predicted score is a 2-1 victory for RB Leipzig, but don’t be surprised if PSG’s new-look attack springs a surprise.
This friendly promises to be an intriguing battle between two ambitious clubs, offering fans a tantalizing preview of what’s to come in the upcoming season. With new signings eager to make their mark and established stars looking to assert their dominance, this match is set to be a highlight of the pre-season calendar.
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