Bayer Leverkusen have been excellent in the Bundesliga so far this season, and are currently the best of the rest behind Bayern Munich. However, they're still very much the underdogs against the minted Paris Saint-Germain in this Champions League round of 16 tie, with PSG currently five points clear of nearest rivals Monaco in Ligue 1.
Bayer Leverkusen vs. Paris Saint-Germain: Preview and TV schedule
Bayer Leverkusen will look to make the most of home advantage against PSG on Tuesday, and capitalise on their impressive domestic form.
PSG are a team stacked with stars, and an attack spearheaded by the one and only Zlatan Ibrahimović. If they can get on the scoresheet with an away goal, they'll have a huge advantage. However, they'll be without Uruguayan star Edinson Cavani, who misses the trip to Leverkusen with a thigh injury.
Bayer may have rather fewer star names than their French opponents, though the likes of Son Heung-Min and Sidney Sam are still enjoying excellent seasons domestically. Stopping PSG’s attacks will be their top priority, but they have a strike force more than capable of causing their visitors some harm.
Unfortunately they'll be without Robbie Kruse and Eren Derdiyok through injury, while versatile defender Emre Can is out suspended. Stefan Reinartz and Emir Spahić face late fitness tests for the hosts.
Bayer Leverkusen injuries and suspensions
Out: Robbie Kruse (knee), Eren Derdiyok (thigh), Emre Can (suspended). In doubt: Stefan Reinartz (heel), Emir Spahić (knock).
Paris Saint-Germain injuries and suspensions
Out: Christophe Jallet (back), Edinson Cavani (thigh). In doubt: None.
Projected lineups
Bayer Leverkusen: Bernd Leno; Andrés Guardado, Philipp Wollscheid, Ömer Toprak, Roberto Hilbert; Gonzalo Castro, Simon Rolfes, Lars Bender; Son Heung-Min, Stefan Kießling, Sidney Sam.
Paris Saint-Germain: Salvatore Sirigu; Maxwell, Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Gregory van der Wiel; Blaise Matuidi, Thiago Motta, Marco Verratti; Ezequiel Lavezzi, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Lucas Moura.
Match Date/Time: Tuesday, 8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: BayArena, Leverkusen, Germany
TV: Fox Soccer 2, Fox Soccer Plus (U.S.), Sportsnet World (Canada), Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.), Sky Sport 2/HD (Germany), Canal+ France (France)
Online: Fox Soccer 2Go (U.S.), Sky Go (U.K. and Germany)
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