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The Champions League knockout rounds will kick off in supreme fashion as the two most endearing teams in their respective countries battle it out in the Round of 16 at Old Trafford on Tuesday. Although both Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain have been fairly competent in Europe, they are yet to go head-to-head in an official game.
Since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has taken over the Red Devils, the United attackers have been rampant in front of goal. On the other hand, Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that he is eyeing a goal or two himself which will provide his side with an added advantage in the second leg. There is no introduction needed for the French outfit who have been blowing away opponents for fun recently.
There is no clear favourite as both the sides head into this tie confident and eager to pick up a result.
INJURIES:
Paris Saint-Germain have been dealt with a huge blow as their forwards Neymar and Edinson Cavani have been ruled out of the first leg. Their primary right-back Thomas Meunier is another expected absentee as he is battling to overcome a concussion.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, on the other hand, will have a fully-fit squad for the first time since taking over the club in mid-December.
SUSPENSIONS:
Neither side has any player suspended.
PLAYER FORM:
Since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has taken over the club, the likes of Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford, and Anthony Martial have been unstoppable. United's number 6 has scored 8 goals and has assisted on 8 occasions over the last two months. Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial have scored 9 goals and provided 4 assists between them.
For PSG, the world's costliest teenager Kylian Mbappe is expected to lead the line in the absence of Neymar and Edinson Cavani. The former Monaco forward has scored 22 goals and provided 14 assists this term. The 20-year-old also found the back of the net against Manchester United's arch-rivals Liverpool in the Champions League group stages.
LIKELY XI
Manchester United: David De Gea, Ashley Young, Victor Lindelof, Phil Jones, Luke Shaw, Nemanja Matic, Ander Herrera, Paul Pogba, Anthony Martial, Jesse Lingard, Marcus Rashford
PSG: Gianluigi Buffon, Dani Alves, Thilo Kehrer, Presnel Kimpembe, Thiago Silva, Juan Bernat, Marquinhos, Marco Verratti, Julian Draxler, Angel Di Maria, Kylian Mbappe.
