Paris Saint-Germain are bidding to win the Champions League for the third season in a row. Their latest match in the competition is against Villarreal at the Estadio de la Cerámica.

Pressure Building on Pérez as Villarreal’s Struggles Continue

Villarreal were surprisingly beaten 1-0 at home by Espanyol on Friday night. Forward Gerard Moreno suffered an injury just 18 minutes into that game, so Iñigo Pérez will need to make at least one change here.

There may be other alterations with the ex-Rayo Vallecano boss still searching for the right formula. Nicolas Pépé and Carlos Romero could both come into the side. Georges Mikautadze, who has scored twice in three Champions League appearances, should continue up top.

Juan Foyth, Ilias Akhomach and Alassane Diatta are additional fitness doubts for the hosts. They’ll be looking for key man Pape Gueye to make his mark in midfield. The Senegalese international has netted three times in 10 league outings and will return following a domestic ban.

Villarreal predicted lineup vs Paris Saint-Germain (4-2-3-1): Gulácsi; Mouriño, Navarro, Veiga, Romero; Comesaña, Gueye; Pépé, Moleiro, Buchanan; Mikautadze.

Paris Saint-Germain to Recall Stars Following Hakimi Masterclass

There are four confirmed injury absentees for PSG. Ousmane Dembélé, Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will play no part at the Cerámica.

Despite those fitness issues, Luis Enrique still opted to rotate heavily in Ligue 1 against Le Havre on Friday. João Neves, Vitinha, Fabián Ruiz and Désiré Doué didn’t even make it off the bench in the 5-1 victory, but should all return to the starting lineup.

Achraf Hakimi put in an incredible performance at the Stade Oceane, registering three goals and two assists. He’ll be looking to push forward and attack the Villarreal left-back in this game. That will ensure it’s a busy 90 minutes for Carlos Romero should he rotate in for Sergi Cardona.

Paris Saint-Germain predicted lineup vs Villarreal (4-3-3): Safonov; Hakimi, Zabarnyi, Pacho, Hernández; Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz; Akliouche, Torres, Doué.

Villarreal vs Paris Saint-Germain Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Over 2.5 goals
  • Odds: 1.36 (22Bet)
  • Correct score prediction: Villarreal 1-3 Paris Saint-Germain
  • 22Bet Booking Code: 3ZEAK

Key stats:

  • Six of the previous seven PSG matches have produced three or more goals.
  • Champions League fixtures involving the French club are averaging 6.33 goals per 90 minutes this term.
  • There have been at least four goals in each of Villarreal’s three European games.

PSG will take belief from recent 4-2 wins over Barcelona and Manchester City. Despite some notable absentees, they’re still firing, with 21 goals scored across their six competitive matches in October.

The main risk when backing that trend to continue is that Villarreal could adapt their tactics and operate more conservatively. However, their defence is still unlikely to be strong enough to hold firm. The Yellow Submarine have conceded eight times in three European outings. Backing over 2.5 goals is therefore a safe pick at 1.36.

Villarreal vs Paris Saint-Germain Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Désiré Doué to score anytime
  • Odds: 2.25 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: UKHAK

Without Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia, Désiré Doué has a chance to step up and be the leader of the PSG attack. The 21-year-old has scored in four of his past six appearances for club and country.

Doué is shining on the Champions League stage, with two goals and two assists in this competition already this season. He offers value to get on the scoresheet at 2.25.

Verdict: Over 2.5 goals (1.36) — Villarreal 1-3 Paris Saint-Germain.