Paris Saint-Germain vs FC Barcelona prediction

Two attacking machines head to head

Matchday 3 of the Champions League brings together two sides in top form. PSG have won five in a row, including a 4-2 win at Manchester City last week and a 6-1 thrashing of Slovan Bratislava on matchday 1. Hansi Flick's Barcelona have also won their last five, with a 5-1 against Feyenoord and a 4-1 at Galatasaray in the Champions League.

After two matchdays, Paris have already scored 10 goals and Barça 9. Both teams like to keep the ball and attack, which often leaves space at the back.

Achraf Hakimi, Africa's key man

The Morocco captain will be one of the most important players on the pitch. His right flank will be under pressure from Barça's wingers, but his forward runs are also one of PSG's best weapons. Last season at Barcelona, Paris snatched a late win from a Hakimi cross.

Absentees

Barcelona are expected to be without Raphinha (thigh), Andreas Christensen and Frenkie De Jong, while Eric García is a doubt. PSG will miss Senny Mayulu. Line-ups should be checked on matchday.

Our view

With two attacks this sharp, a tight, low-scoring game looks unlikely. We go for over 2.5 goals. For a safer option, "both teams to score" makes sense, but the odds are low.

A prediction is never a certainty. Bet responsibly, 18+ only.