PSG hopes to return to winning ways against Istanbul Basaksehir

After losing their opener against Manchester United, French Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain will hope to get back to winning ways as they travel to Turkey to play Istanbul Basaksehir.

The Turkish champions were also on the losing side in their first game as they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat in the hand of Bundesliga side, RB Leipzig. So, it is a game between two sides that are wounded.

This should be a game to look forward to at the Basaksehir Fatih Terim Stadium tonight.

Istanbul Basaksehir is making its debut in the Champions League proper, and they have been handed one of the most challenging groups.

They are vying for a qualification spot in Group H that involves Manchester United, PSG, and RB Leipzig.

The Bundesliga side gave them a welcome gift courtesy of a quickfire double from Angelino. But Okan Buruk’s men won’t rule out their chance against Thomas Tuchel’s men.

The challenge of PSG is coming to them at the right time that they just started regaining their domestic form. They dispatched Antalyaspor 5-1 at the weekend, having struggled from the beginning of the season.

With such performance from Edin Visca, who scored a brace, Istanbul Basaksehir won’t rule out their chances of securing a Europa League spot.

Credit must be given to the Turkish champions for the progress made over the last decade. Although they are favourites to finish at the bottom of the group.

On the other hand, PSG has been rampant after losing their opening two Ligue 1 games before Man United ended their scintillating run. The Parisien took no time to return to winning ways on the domestic front, dispatching four goals past Dijon, leaving them rooted to the bottom of the table.

Istanbul Basaksehir will have to now face the Paris club a recognized right-back following an injury to Ugur Ucar, Junior Caicara. Unfortunately, Muhammed Sarikaya was not included in their Champions League squad.

Also out are Nacer Chadli, Rafael, and Martin Skrtel through various injuries.

For PSG, Thilo Kehrer, Juan Bernat, Idrissa Gueye, Leandro Paredes, Marco Verratti, Julian Draxler and Mauro Icardi are in the treatment room.

However, Angel Di Maria and Layvin Kurzawa could return to the starting lineup after missing Dijon’s win through suspension.

 

Written by: Oladipupo Mojeed