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Europe's top teams are once again ready to battle it out against each other, as the Champions League returns to action in seven days. The round of 32 of this season's Champions League will begin on the 12th of February, with one of the most awaited clashes of the season.
French giants Paris Saint Germain will lock horns against two-time Champions League winners Manchester United in the opening match of the knockouts stage.
When the draws were announced two months ago, nearly every football watcher predicted this fixture to be a one-sided affair in favor of PSG. But fast forward to February, and the result is not so obvious.
Manchester United are suddenly on a dream run, and look set to give PSG a run for their money. Even the French side know that it will not be easy to beat this rejuvenated Manchester United team.
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Injuries, momentum, form - nearly everything is now suddenly favoring the Red Devils. While the match is still expected to be evenly poised, United would be feeling more and more confident of beating the current French champions.
Here is a look at 3 major reasons why Manchester United are the favorites to win against PSG.
#3 Injury to Neymar
Neymar became the world's most expensive footballer when he moved to PSG from Barcelona in search of personal glory. While he has proved his worth in the French League over the last two seasons, when it comes to Champions League, luck doesn't quite seem to favor him.
The Brazilian got injured before the second leg vs Real Madrid last year and this year too, Neymar is all set to miss the Round of 32.
Neymar suffered a foot injury in the match against Strasbourg, which will rule him out for around two months. He has scored 13 goals and provided 6 assists in 13 games for PSG in the league this year.
A player of his caliber will be a huge miss for the French side. More than his goals, PSG will miss his partnership with French sensation Kylian Mbappe. The duo's chemistry and link-up were clear when PSG met Liverpool in the group stage in France.
With Neymar's absence, PSG will find it difficult to hit United on the counter, which is one of their main areas of strength. Mbappe and Cavani will have to be at their best to test United's defense now that Neymar won't be there.
This is a very unfortunate incident for an incredible player, but Manchester United would not complain at all. The absence of Neymar gives Manchester United a huge advantage over their French rivals, and would certainly shift the tie in the the Red Devils' favor.
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#2 Momentum and form
Two months ago one wouldn't have expected that Manchester United would go into the tie with greater momentum than PSG.
The French team topped their tough Champions League group and were unbeaten in the league for a very long time. Manchester United, on the other hand, lost to Juventus and Valencia in the Champions League and were struggling at the 6th position in the Premier league.
Since the time Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has arrived at the club though, United have won 8 out of the 9 matches and are still unbeaten. The Red Devils have won the most points, scored the most goals, conceded the least and have hit more shots in the league since the time Ole took over.
PSG, on the other hand, have lost 2 out of the last 6 matches they have played. PSG recently got beaten and dominated by third-placed Lyon in the league.
They say momentum and form play a huge role in football, and currently Manchester United have more momentum than PSG going into the clash. While anything can happen on a given day, good momentum will provide United an edge over their French rivals.
#1 The edge in the midfield battle
The one area where Manchester United have improved the most under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is the midfield. United now have a very consistent midfield in Paul Pogba, Ander Herrera and Nemanja Matic.
The form of Herrera and Matic has allowed Pogba to have the freedom he has always wanted. Over the last two months, Pogba has arguably been the best midfielder in the world. His consistent and world-class performances week in and week out have been the main reason for United's revival
PSG, on the other hand, were struck a blow when their star midfielder Marco Verratti got injured against Guingamp. Due to lack of midfield options, PSG have been forced to play Dani Alves, Marquinhos and Di Maria in the midfield.
The French side will find it very tough to outplay United's midfield with their makeshift midfielders. Though Verratti is expected to return to training soon, it will be a surprise if he starts against Manchester United.
PSG have bought Leandro Paredes from Zenit St. Petersburg, but it will be difficult for the Argentine to fit in right away.
On current form and situation, Manchester United should be able to dominate the midfield battle, which might decide the overall outcome of the match.
