Paris Saint-Germain vs. APOEL Nicosia, 2014 UEFA Champions League: Team news and game preview

Paris Saint-Germain can wrap up a spot in the Round of 16 and hold on to the top spot in Group F with a win over APOEL on Wednesday, combined with some help from Barcelona. PSG needs the Spanish side to defeat or draw against Ajax in order to guarantee they’ll advance with a win of their own. Their chances are good of taking care of business against the Cypriot side, but given Barca’s recent struggles, it’s hard to predict if they’ll get the help they need.

PSG enter the match heavy favorites thanks to the considerable talent gap between the two teams and the Parisians 16-match unbeaten streak. APOEL’s stingy defense doesn’t make a draw impossible, but they’re going to be tested heavily by a PSG attack that has plenty of weapons available, even with Zlatan still out.

PSG’s defense is also fully healthy for the first time in awhile with Marquinhos having made his return over the weekend.

Key Player: Edinson Cavani (PSG)

With Zlatan unavailable, Edinson Cavani remains the first choice striker for Laurent Blanc. If not for the big Urugayan, APOEL probably would have pulled off a scoreless draw against PSG in their first meeting. Cavani’s late winner will be on APOEL player’s minds as they are in desperate need of a point. Of course, if you focus too much on Cavani, one of PSG’s other attacking players will hurt you. It’s not a fun place to be.

Key Matchup: APOEL defense vs. PSG attack

Despite having an 0-1-2 record so far in the group stage, APOEL have been a tough opponent for every member of Group F. The Cypriot defense has only allowed three goals in three games, but since they’re offense has struggled to produce goals, it still hasn’t been enough. Those facts leave us knowing that in order for APOEL to pull off a shock result, they’re going to have to continue to play well defensively and finally figure out how to score some goals.

PSG injuries and suspensions

Out: Zlatan Ibrahimović (foot), Marco Verratti (hamstring)

APOEL injuries and suspensions

Out: Demetris Charalambides (foot), John Arne Riise (foot), Kaká (groin), Vasilios Papafotis (unspecified). In Doubt:
Efstathios Aloneftis (back), Marios Antoniades (shoulder), Gustavo Manduca (hamtring), Tiago Gomes (calf)

Zlatan Ibramhimović continues to be sidelined with a foot injury, which makes all of us very sad. He’s joined out by Marco Veratti who is struggling with a hamstring injury. APOEL have a ton of players hurt or doubtful, which will only make their task in Paris harder.

Listings via LiveSoccerTV.