Bayer Leverkusen vs Paris Saint-Germain preview, prediction, team news and head-to-head

Leverkusen have not lost a home European game in nine encounters (W7, D2); however, they are still waiting for that first win in this season’s competition after a pair of draws to PSV and FC Copenhagen. 

Meanwhile, PSG, who are the defending champions, are cruising already with two wins from two, and you can tell Luis Enrique’s men mean serious business this season, especially after dispatching FC Barcelona away without the help of their regular starters.

Leverkusen come into this one in decent form. Two straight wins in the Bundesliga have lifted spirits again, and under Kasper Hjulmand, the team looks sharp; they are unbeaten in eight games in all competitions now. However in Europe, they have been a bit unlucky, with two draws that could easily have been wins. Their home record, though? Still top-notch.

PSG, on the other hand, have been their usual unpredictable selves, and you can bet on them showing up when it matters.. They have smashed through their UCL games so far, including that composed 1-2 win over Barcelona, but then went and drew 3-3 with Strasbourg and 1-1 against Lille in Ligue 1. That Rollercoaster PSG for you, brilliant and chaotic all in one.

This should be a proper open contest, Leverkusen’s fast passing and pressing against PSG’s deadly counter and star names. Both managers love attacking football, so there is every reason to expect goals flying in at both ends.

These two have not faced each other too often — only twice before, both in the Champions League last season. PSG won both of them, 2-1 in Paris and 4-0 in Germany.

So far, PSG are perfect in this head-to-head (2W, 0D, 0L), and both matches had plenty of goals, all over 2.5. They have scored six goals in just two games against Leverkusen, which kind of says it all.

The home side have some injury worries again. Out of the game are Patrik Schick, Nathan Tella, Exequiel Palacios, Malik Tillman, Lucas Vázquez, Axel Tape and Jarell Quansah. That is quite a list.

But Alejandro Grimaldo, who has been brilliant lately and even scored twice last weekend, will be key again both in defense and attack.

For PSG, Ousmane Dembélé, Marquinhos, Fabian Ruiz and João Neves are all missing. Still, the squad is stacked. Gonçalo Ramos should lead the line, with Bradley Barcola and Warren Zaïre-Emery just behind. Also, Lucas Hernández could feature against his old team.

Bayer Leverkusen: Flekken; Andrich, Bade, Belocian; Arthur, Garcia, Fernandez, Grimaldo; Maza, Poku; Kofane

PSG: Chevalier; Hakimi, Zabarnyi, Pacho, Mendes; Kang-in, Vitinha, Doue; Kvaratskhelia, Ramos, Barcola

Leverkusen will give PSG a real fight, no doubt. But the visitors just have that extra edge in tight European nights. Ramos has been in good form, and PSG’s experience in managing these games might just tip it.

Betting tips

• Bet on PSG to Win: They have only lost one of their last 11 games and beat Leverkusen twice last season.

• Gonçalo Ramos to Score Anytime: Two in two UCL games, confident and clinical.

• Over 2.5 Goals: These sides both love to attack, and clean sheets feel unlikely.

• Both Teams to Score (Yes):  Leverkusen have scored in 10 straight games; PSG always find a way too.

These options have great odds on LiveScore Bet.