Paris Saint-Germain have spent a lot of money over the past few seasons as they attempt to become one of the biggest clubs in Europe. While that financial investment has brought them success in Ligue 1, it still hasn’t translated to the Champions League. It might be safe to say that Laurent Blanc needs a deep run in Europe this season, or PSG’s owners could change direction again.
Ajax vs. Paris Saint-Germain, 2014 UEFA Champions League: Team news and game preview
PSG haven’t looked strong so far this season and they face a tough test against Ajax as they open Champions League play.
Key Player: ZLATAN (PSG)
No team is just one player. Even Barcelona with Lionel Messi need all the parts to work for him to be successful. PSG is the same with Zlatan Ibrahimovic in that while the Swedish striker is amazing, and awesome, and cool, they still need everyone doing their job in order for him to get the time and space he needs. That said, Zlatan is the type of player that can do special things and change games by himself. With PSG having struggled on the road this season, they might need Zlatan to have one of those amazing moments.
Key Matchup: Ajax attack vs. PSG defense
PSG have started slow this season thanks in large part to their poor form away from home. It’s not that the defense has been bad -- they’re goal differential is +7 this season -- but they’ve needed them to be better, along with the attack to start scoring more goals. With Thiago Silva and David Luiz both injury doubts for Wednesday, there’s a good chance the center of the PSG defense could be left a bit weaker. Ajax are going to attack, they’re going to test that PSG back line, and it’s easy to imagine things falling apart at a crucial moment.
Ajax injuries and suspensions
Out: Viktor Fischer (knee)
PSG injuries and suspensions
In Doubt: David Luiz (knee), Thiago Silva (thigh), Serge Aurier (head)
PSG’s defense could be tested by Ajax and there’s a good chance the French champions will be missing both David Luiz and Thiago Silva. Marquinhos is the first choice to replace either of PSG’s first choice defenders, and if both Luiz and Silva are out, Zoumana Camara will also get a start.
Match Date/Time: Tuesday, 8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Amsterdam ArenA, Amsterdam, Netherlands
TV: FOX Soccer Plus, DirecTV (U.S.), Sky Sports Red Button (U.K.), Canal+ (France), Sport1 Voetball, Nederland 3 (Netherlands)
Online: FOX Soccer 2Go, ESPN3 (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), SkyGo (U.K.)
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