Depleted United face PSG in mouth-watering clash

PARIS: With a depleted squad, Manchester United meet Paris Saint Germain in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 clash at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday (today).The Premier League side will be looking to overturn PSG’s 2-0 goal advantage gained in the first leg of their meeting at Old Trafford in February.Interim boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is facing a major squad selection headache ahead of the trip as he will be without nine key players. With many squad members nursing injuries of different degrees, United will further miss the services of Paul Pogba who was suspended during the first leg.Pogba’s absence may compel Solskjaer to start Brazilian midfielder, Fred, who has been under-performing as Nemanja Matic and Ander Herrera are also expected not to feature.Fred, alongside Andreas Pereira and Scott McTominay could be handed a starting role in the midfield.David De Gea will be between the sticks for the Red Devils, with Ashley Young, Victor Lindelof, Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw all who have been impressive expected to provide cover at the heart of United defense.Both Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford could be paired to lead the attack line upfront, leaving one place up for grabs should Solskjaer settle on a 4-3-3 formation.The place could be filled up by Diogo Dalot who linked perfectly with Ashley Young on the wing against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.Meanwhile, the French champions will also be without star striker Neymar due to a metatarsal injury.But coach Thomas Tuchel is likely opt for the same compact system which worked brilliantly at Old Trafford.Edinson Cavani could be available after missing the first leg through injury, but may more likely be used as an option from the bench if PSG need a goal in the second half.“We know how to win and how to lose. What we try to transmit to the others is that either we all go together in the same direction, or we leave the doors open to a defeat,” PSG’s Dani Alves said on Tuesday.“This is not a competition that depends only on one player having a spectacular day,” he said. “When you have experienced players, you don’t tremble when it comes to playing in a hostile atmosphere, or under pressure.”At Estadio do Dragao, Porto will host Roma in their round of 16 match. Roma had defeated Porto 2-1 in the first leg.

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