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Manchester United are back in action in the UEFA Champions League, as they welcome Paris Saint-Germain to Old Trafford on Tuesday night. After exiting the competition at this same stage last season, the Red Devils are now looking to get past the last 16.
In PSG, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s United face their biggest test yet, with the French champions also chasing European glory after investing so much into their squad in the last few years.
United and PSG have never faced each other in any competitive fixture, and that makes Tuesday’s match even more special. There are many mouthwatering games to look forward to in the round of 16 of the Champions League but this will be one that many will not like to miss.
However, a number of factors make Man United the favourites to win this encounter. PSG are sure to come full strength, but the Red Devils should be able to withstand anything the Parisians bring.
Here are three reasons why Man United will beat PSG:
#3. Man United are currently on better form
When the pairings for the last 16 draw were made last December, many immediately tipped PSG to have it easy against Man United. However, in the last one and half months, things have drastically changed.
Currently, the Red Devils are slight favourites because they are in a better form than their opponents. Since Solskjaer took over as caretaker manager, the Old Trafford outfit has not lost in 11 games. In that period, United have impressively won 10 times and drawn just one.
PSG have not been bad either, but the French giants have uncharacteristically lost two of their last eight games. Just a week ago, they lost 1-2 to Lyon; they once more needed extra-time to beat Villefranche in the league cup, before battling to a narrow 1-0 win over Bordeaux over the weekend.
PSG’s recent struggles put Man United ahead in the form guide. The Red Devils have been ruthless in recent weeks and their rise into the Premier League top four is evidence to the improvement seen at Old Trafford. PSG could be in serious trouble when they visit.
#2. Home advantage
Another reason why Manchester United will go into this encounter feeling confident is PSG’s unstable away form. The Ligue 1 champions have not often fared well on their travels and Man United will definitely look to capitalize on that.
During the group phase of the Champions League, PSG only managed to beat Red Star Belgrade away, failing to win in both of their away games against Napoli and Liverpool. In the league, PSG’s away form has been no different.
The French champions have dropped points just four times all season and, three of those were in away games against Bordeaux, Racing Strasbourg and Lyon. Everything points to the fact that PSG is not so good when they are on the road.
By contrast, Man United have won each of their last six home games in all competitions. And, playing at home, it is increasingly clear that the Red Devils have the advantage over their French opponents.
#1. Injuries have deflated PSG’s chances
Right from the day the Champions League draw was made to the beginning of January, PSG were the favourites to advance at the expense of Man United. However, the Parisians have seen the squad deflated in the last couple of weeks.
This has swung the advantage to the direction of Man United. PSG will go into Tuesday’s game without expensive signing Neymar, who has been ruled out for 10 weeks. As if that is not enough, the Ligue 1 champions will also be without their all-time top scorer Edinson Cavani for the clash.
Meanwhile, defender Thomas Meunier will also miss out after he suffered a concussion during last week’s game against Bordeaux. Any team missing such key players are bound to be affected.
On the contrary, Man United have a full-strength squad, with the likes of Paul Pogba, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford all in the form of their lives. PSG have a depleted squad due to the numerous injuries and Man United should be able to exploit that and win the game.
