PSG vs. Apoel Nicosia: Key Issues and Decisions That Will Shape UCL Game
Their performances this season may have left something to the imagination, but Paris Saint-Germain have the chance on Wednesday night to secure their qualification to the last 16 of the Champions League if they can beat Apoel Nicosia.
The Cypriot side played well when the two sides met on Matchday 3, but all their hard work was undone when Edinson Cavani snatched a late winner for the away side. Apoel deserved to take something from the game, but it wasn’t their night.
If Barcelona can beat Ajax in Group F’s other game, then both the Spanish side and PSG would qualify for the knockout phase.
The home side are without Zlatan Ibrahimovic for Wednesday’s game, but Cavani will be looking to lead the line and score for the fourth game in a row.
"Le Parisien: Zlatan Ibrahimovic reluctant to make PSG return in match of high intensity, making a return vs. APOEL or Marseille unlikely.
— Jonathan Johnson (@Jon_LeGossip) November 4, 2014"
Here are the key issues and decisions that will decide Paris Saint-Germain’s home game against Apoel Nicosia.
Who Does Laurent Blanc Play and Who Does He Rest?
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Paris Saint-Germain is in a fairly strong position in Group F. With two wins and a draw and two home games to go, it would be a huge shock if they were to slip up from this position.
After they face Apoel on Wednesday, PSG take on Olympique de Marseille in Le Classique on Sunday. Easily one of the biggest derbies these two sides have played in a few years.
PSG trail OM by four points and with Marcelo Bielsa inspiring his side to some of the best football they have played in years, it will be one of the biggest tests Laurent Blanc has faced.
Blanc has to decide how to manage his squad over the next few days. Thiago Motta is suspended for Sunday’s game so will likely start against Apoel. Marco Verratti was rested against Lorient with an eye on Wednesday's game, but he has now been ruled out.
"It's a big win, Cavani with three goals in three games now. Pastore pivotal again. Bahebeck/Verratti came on and showed their quality. #PSG
— 1970 PSG (@1970_PSG) November 1, 2014"
With Ibrahimovic out, PSG has to go with Edinson Cavani in attack, but there could be places for Jean-Christophe Bahebeck, Yohan Cabaye and Ezequiel Lavezzi.
Even in defence, with Thiago Silva back and David Luiz injured, playing Silva beside Marquinhos would be a risk, Blanc will need both against Marseille.
Failure to win on Wednesday is not a disaster but defeat against Marseille at the Parc des Princes would be a massive blow to Blanc’s campaign. Look out for a few changes come Wednesday night.
How Do You Solve a Problem Like Yohan Cabaye?
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Although he started against Lorient on Saturday, with Sunday’s huge game against Marseille coming up, there is a chance that Yohan Cabaye could start against Apoel on Wednesday.
Twelve months ago that would not have been an issue, but Cabaye’s form has dropped since joining the Parisians, Saturday’s performance against Lorient highlighted his struggles.
Cabaye is always looking to get involved but stray passes, the eagerness to try too hard and the lack of self-confidence were easy to see.
If Blanc wants to try and get the best out of Cabaye, he needs to play him and try and build up his self-belief. Leaving him on the bench is only going to make things worse.
This is the best opportunity to give him another 90 minutes in the team. Beside Thiago Motta and Blaise Matuidi he won’t be the focal point of the midfield and can get his head down and play. Just don’t expect him to play any part of Sunday’s game against Marseille.
Apoel Need to Find a Way to Trouble the PSG Defence
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It doesn’t take the most astute football mind to come to the conclusion that if Apoel want any success on Wednesday, then they need to find a way to trouble the PSG back line.
In the first game, the home side managed seven shots on goal, only two of them on target. PSG had to rely on a wonderful goal-line clearance from David Luiz to keep the score at 0-0, but that was as close as the Cypriot side came to beating Salvatore Sirigu on the night.
With David Luiz likely to miss out, it may give Apoel a chance to trouble the centre-backs. However, Marquinhos is not exactly a downgrade, but there is a chance he could be rested for the game against Marseille. That would mean a place for Zoumana Camara, which would give Apoel their biggest hope.
Giorgos Donis side have lacked a goalscoring threat in the Champions League this season with their only goal coming in the 1-1 draw with Ajax. They have proved hard to break down, but with the Cypriot side needing a win, their only hope is that PSG take their eye off the ball.
