A significant day for European giants at the Club World Cup unfolds this Saturday in Atlanta, as UEFA Champions League champions Paris Saint-Germain face Bayern Munich in a quarterfinal match vying for a place in the semifinals.
Fresh off their first Champions League title win just a month ago, PSG enters the Club World Cup as strong favorites. They navigated the tournament`s most challenging group, even with a loss to Botafogo, but Luis Enrique`s squad has generally had a smooth path, securing their quarterfinal spot with a convincing 4-0 victory over Inter Miami.
Bayern`s tournament journey has seen a mixed bag of results. A 1-0 loss to Benfica, following significant squad rotation, set up this quarterfinal clash with PSG. They bounced back with a solid 4-2 win against Flamengo in the Round of 16, but facing the reigning European champions in top form presents a significantly tougher challenge. This match could be one of the most demanding for Vincent Kompany`s side since he took charge last season, even after securing the club`s first Bundesliga title in two years.
Here`s what you need to know before tuning in.
Match Details & Odds
- Date: Saturday, July 5 | Time: 12 p.m. ET
- Location: Mercedes Benz Stadium — Atlanta, Georgia
- TV: TNT
- Odds: Paris Saint-Germain +120; Draw +240; Bayern Munich +210
Predicted Lineups
Lineups are predictions and subject to change before kickoff.
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 performance of key players in the final stages of the Club World Cup could influence the Ballon d`Or race, and Ousmane Dembele is certainly in contention. His recent Champions League victory bolstered his claim, but his impressive season goes beyond that. The World Cup winner is enjoying a career-best campaign, tallying 33 goals and 13 assists across all competitions, thriving in a prominent attacking role within Luis Enrique`s tactical setup. He is undoubtedly a player to watch, particularly challenging a Bayern defense that has shown vulnerability against strong opponents in Vincent Kompany`s first year.
Storyline to Watch
Can Anyone Stop PSG?: While a competitive fixture is expected in Atlanta, PSG, fresh off their Champions League triumph, are widely considered the favorites and the team to beat in the Club World Cup. Luis Enrique`s distinctive high press and attacking style have proven difficult for most opponents to handle, often overwhelming teams from the start, especially down the flanks. With players like Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Desire Doue in top form (among others), Enrique`s PSG operates like a highly effective unit. This presents a significant challenge for Bayern, who are still adapting under Vincent Kompany and don`t yet appear as cohesive, though they are not alone in facing an uphill battle against the current iteration of PSG.
Prediction
While Bayern possesses significant strengths, notably having one of the world`s top strikers in Harry Kane, their collective squad depth and current form arguably don`t quite match PSG`s. Anticipate the European champions to deploy their characteristic high-pressing, intense game plan effectively, continuing their excellent season form. Prediction: Paris Saint-Germain 3, Bayern Munich 1
