Two European giants, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, are set to face off in Atlanta on Saturday for a coveted spot in the Club World Cup semifinals. This match features the reigning UEFA Champions League winners against the Bundesliga champions.
Fresh off securing their historic first Champions League title just weeks ago, PSG remain the favorites to lift the Club World Cup trophy. They successfully navigated the toughest group in the competition, bouncing back from a loss to Botafogo. Overall, it has been a relatively smooth path for Luis Enrique`s squad, who reached the quarterfinals convincingly after a dominant 4-0 win over Inter Miami.
Bayern Munich`s campaign has seen a mixed record. They suffered a 1-0 defeat to Benfica when fielding a heavily rotated side, which set them on a collision course to meet PSG in the last eight. They proved their attacking prowess with a 4-2 victory over Flamengo in the Round of 16. However, facing the in-form European champions presents a significantly different challenge. This encounter is arguably one of the sternest tests yet for Vincent Kompany since taking charge last season, even after guiding the team to their first Bundesliga title in two years.
Match Details and Odds
- Date: Saturday, July 5 | Time: 12 p.m. ET
- Location: Mercedes Benz Stadium — Atlanta, Georgia
- TV: TNT | Live stream: DAZN
- Odds: Paris Saint-Germain +120; Draw +240; Bayern Munich +210
Predicted Lineups
Paris Saint-Germain: Gianluigi Donnarumma, Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz, Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Bayern Munich: Manuel Neuer, Konrad Laimer, Dayot Upamecano, Jonathan Tah, Josip Stanicic, Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Michael Olise, Serge Gnabry, Kingsley Coman, Harry Kane
Player to Watch
Ousmane Dembele, Paris Saint-Germain: The later stages of the Club World Cup could offer valuable insight into the race for the prestigious Ballon d`Or, a race where Ousmane Dembele is making a strong case. His recent Champions League triumph solidified his status as a genuine contender. This comes at the end of a personal career-best season, marked by 33 goals and 13 assists across all competitions. Dembele has flourished in a central, impactful role within Luis Enrique`s distinctive tactical setup. He is definitely a player worth focusing on, particularly against a Bayern defense that has shown moments of vulnerability against top opposition during Vincent Kompany`s initial year at the helm.
Storyline to Watch
Is PSG the team to beat?: While Saturday`s match in Atlanta promises to be competitive, it doesn`t change the fact that PSG, much like in their Champions League campaign, are widely regarded as the favorites for the Club World Cup title. Luis Enrique`s unique, attack-oriented pressing system has proved incredibly difficult for nearly every team to overcome, allowing PSG to overwhelm opponents effectively from the start, especially in wide areas. The excellent form of players like Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Desire Doue (among others) suggests Enrique`s PSG is a highly efficient unit. This presents a considerable challenge for Bayern, who are still refining their game under Kompany in his first year. However, Bayern is likely not the only team who would be considered an underdog against this formidable version of PSG.
Prediction
Bayern Munich certainly possesses strengths, most notably having one of the world`s elite goalscorers in Harry Kane. However, the collective strength of PSG appears superior. Expect the European champions to deploy their characteristic high-intensity game plan and find success, thereby extending their remarkable season by at least one more match. Pick: Paris Saint-Germain 3, Bayern Munich 1
