PSG vs Tottenham tips and predictions: Wounded Spurs face mammoth task in French capital

Paris Saint-Germain state of play

Despite sitting in a comfortable fifth place and having demolished the likes of Bayer Leverkusen 7-2 along the way, Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain head into their UCL gameweek five clash with Tottenham in a bit of a sticky patch.

Luis Enrique’s side lost their last European encounter 2-1 at home to Bayern Munich courtesy of two goals from Luis Diaz. While recent draws against Lille, Strasbourg, and Lorient have left them with just a two-point cushion at the top of Ligue 1. 

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However, with a strong squad capable of coping with some notable absentees, plus their formidable high-pressing game, the well-oiled machine will be confident of bouncing back and blowing away their Premier League opponents. 

In the season curtain-raiser UEFA Super Cup final, PSG won 4-3 on penalties after roaring back from 2-0 down to level in the 94th minute. Despite Spurs winning many plaudits that night, the Parisians have a clear psychological edge heading into the clash at the Parc des Princes. 

Tottenham state of play

After being dismantled 4-1 in the North London derby on Sunday, Tottenham face an almighty task as they head to Paris to take on the holders.

Sitting 10th in the table and unbeaten in the Champions League, Thomas Frank’s side will be eager to pull off an upset in the French capital in what is their biggest test yet. 

Spurs have experienced inconsistency of late though. Struggling to build on their impressive early-season showings and hitting a stale patch that has seen them average fewer than 10 shots per match in the Premier League - the third-lowest in the competition.

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However, two clean sheets in their last two Champions League encounters against Monaco and Copenhagen respectively should provide some encouragement to a Spurs defence that is almost guaranteed to be under the cosh on Wednesday night.

With a formidable opponent up next, Tottenham will need to produce something special in a hostile atmosphere where numerous English sides have fallen short in the past. 

Key talking point: Spurs could struggle to deal with PSG’s attacking threat 

PSG remains one of the most dangerous attacking sides in Europe. Tottenham are therefore likely to face wave after wave of pressure from the joint-top scorers in the competition.

While some notable absentees give Thomas Frank’s troops a glimmer of hope. PSG’s deep squad is more than capable of coping without the likes of marauding full-back Achraf Hakimi, 2025 Golden Boy Desire Doue, and Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele.

Tottenham will need to replicate the type of performance that saw them stifle Manchester City at the Etihad stadium in August, where their defensive organisation and grit completely nullified Pep Guardiola’s side in a memorable 2-0 win.

However, PSG are a wounded animal after their recent Champions League loss to Bayern, who now face Spurs’ north London rivals Arsenal, meaning they could be desperate to make a statement in front of their home fans.

Tottenham will need to be compact, tough to break down, and rediscover the defensive resilience that marked the early days of Thomas Frank’s reign. 

After Sunday’s battering at the Emirates though, it feels like a big ask for a Tottenham side facing mounting pressure from both supporters and the media.

FIRST’s top tip - PSG vs Tottenham  

Even with Tottenham’s solid form on the road, having only suffered their first away loss of the season at Newcastle in the Carabao Cup in late October, a comfortable home win still feels the likeliest outcome here.

Pick: PSG to win and over 2.5 goals - 87/100 (Ladbrokes)

Extra tips 

While Tottenham are capable of scoring, a blunt performance in Paris isn’t out of the question, particularly given their lack of creativity at the moment. 

Pick: PSG to win to nil - 13/8 (William Hill)

With Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue out, the emphasis will be on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to deliver his third goal in the competition this season. 

Pick: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia anytime scorer -  16/11 (7bet)

Team news

As mentioned, PSG are having to contend with injuries to key players at the moment, including Achraf Hakimi who misses out with an ankle issue. 

Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele are also suffering with hamstring and calf injuries respectively, while former Bournemouth defender Illia Zabarnyi is suspended after being sent off against Leverkusen.

As for Spurs, their injury list continues to grow, with Ben Davies, Dejan Kulusevski, Dominic Solanke, James Maddison, Kota Takai, and Radu Dragusin all out of this one. 

The Champions League gives leeway to loan players, facing their parent club. That means Randal Kolo Muani can lace up his boots against PSG, while Brennan Johnson misses out after being shown a red card against Copenhagen.

Paris Saint-Germain vs Tottenham predicted line-ups: 

Paris Saint-Germain: Chevalier; Zaire-Emery, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz; Kvaratskhelia, Barcola, Ramos (4-3-3)

Tottenham: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Bentancur, Sarr; Odobert, Simons, Kudus; Richarlison (4-2-3-1)

Form guide (all competitions) 

Paris Saint-Germain: WDDWWDWLWW 

Tottenham: DWLDWLLWDL

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Odds correct at the time of writing.