A significant Club World Cup fixture featuring two European powerhouses is set for Saturday in Atlanta. UEFA Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain are scheduled to face German champions Bayern Munich for a place in the tournament semifinals.
Just weeks after securing their inaugural Champions League trophy, PSG remains the favored team to lift the Club World Cup despite encountering various challenges. They successfully navigated the toughest group in the Club World Cup, even with a defeat to Botafogo, but have generally had a smooth path under Luis Enrique. They reached the quarterfinals following a commanding 4-0 victory over Lionel Messi`s Inter Miami.
Bayern`s journey through the group stage was comparable. They suffered a 1-0 loss to Benfica after making significant rotations, which set up this quarterfinal clash with PSG. They proved their capability with a 4-2 win against Flamengo in the Round of 16. However, facing the in-form European champions presents a considerably different challenge. This match could be one of the sternest tests for Vincent Kompany since he took charge last season, despite having already guided the team to their first Bundesliga title in two years.
How to Watch & Match Details
- Date:
- Saturday, July 5
- Time:
- 12 p.m. ET
- Location:
- Mercedes Benz Stadium — Atlanta, Georgia
- TV:
- TNT
- Live stream:
- Watch on 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 might offer insights into the race for the Ballon d`Or, a competition Ousmane Dembele could potentially be leading. His Champions League win a few weeks prior solidified his status as a genuine candidate. However, that`s only part of his strong case. The World Cup winner is concluding his most successful season to date, having contributed 33 goals and 13 assists across all competitions. He has thrived in a central attacking role provided by Luis Enrique`s distinctive and effective system. He is undoubtedly a player to closely observe, especially against a Bayern defense that has occasionally appeared vulnerable against top-tier opponents during Kompany`s initial year in charge.
Storyline to Watch
Is the Club World Cup PSG`s to lose?: While a competitive match is anticipated in Atlanta on Saturday, it doesn`t change the fact that PSG, much like in the Champions League, are considered the team to beat in the Club World Cup. Luis Enrique`s signature high-intensity attacking press has proven incredibly difficult for most teams to break down. PSG often overwhelms opponents right from kickoff, particularly in wide areas. With key players like Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Desire Doue (among others) in superb form, Enrique`s PSG side looks like a finely tuned machine. This will be a tough challenge for Bayern, who, in their first year under Kompany, do not yet appear to be a finished product. However, they are certainly not the only team likely to be considered underdogs against this formidable version of PSG.
Prediction
Bayern possess strengths, most notably the presence of Harry Kane, one of the world`s best goalscorers. However, the collective strength of their squad doesn`t quite match PSG`s. Expect the European champions to deploy their characteristic high-intensity game plan and capitalize on it, extending their impressive season by at least one more match.
Predicted Score: Paris Saint-Germain 3, Bayern Munich 1
Dominic Ashworth