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PREVIEW | PSG v Maccabi Haifa: Hosts aiming to book place in knockouts

After another start to the week that saw Kylian Mbappé dominate the headlines – this time over Le Parisien’s claims regarding the numbers of his contract extension, which were then denied by his club – Paris Saint-Germain will turn to the pitch again as they aim to secure their spot in the Champions League knockouts.

The sides first met on matchday two, in a game that saw the Israeli side take a surprise lead early on before the group leaders were able to regain a foothold on proceedings, with all three of their star attacking trident getting on the scoresheet in the end for a 3-1 win.

The three points will see the Ligue 1 holders through to the round of 16, although top spot in the group will have to be secured against Juventus next week, given their pair of 1-1 draws with second-place Benfica.

The match has also attracted attention off the pitch, given that authorities are concerned over potential incidents arising from pro-Palestine PSG ultras attending the match. Police numbers have been increased amid fears that former members of the violent Kop de Boulogne could be present to fight with Israeli supporters. The security teams at the Parc des Princes have been instructed not to let Palestine flags in. 

Back to the pitch, PSG are expected to line up with a back four again, with notable changes being Sergio Ramos’ return from suspension, while Marco Verratti misses out himself for the same reason. Renato Sanches, who disappointed in his performance against Ajaccio on Friday night, will have another chance to prove himself alongside the impressive Fabián Ruiz and Vitinha.

Click Here: Hip Hop Forever Stamps 2020PSG predicted XI v Maccabi Haifa:

Gianluigi Donnarumma – Achraf Hakimi, Sergio Ramos, Marquinhos, Juan Bernat – Fabián Ruiz, Renato Sanches, Vitinha – Lionel Messi – Neymar, Kylian Mbappé.