Wednesday's Champions League Predictions: PSG may require some Messi magic in Germany

Joe Crann

7 March 2023

When you’re heading out to face one of the most formidable teams in European football, what’s the last thing you want to happen? Perhaps having your Brazilian star ruled out for the season is up there.

That’s exactly the scenario that Paris Saint-Germain finds themselves in against Bayern Munich after it was confirmed that Neymar will need months to recover from ankle surgery. The positive is that their attack still includes Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi.

Elsewhere in Europe, Tottenham Hotspur have home advantage as they look to complete a reversal of their own against AC Milan in London after losing 1-0 at the San Siro last month. Joe Crann previews both Champions League second-leg ties on Wednesday.

Bayern Munich v PSG

Kick off: 8pm Wednesday

To say that Bayern’s home form is strong is an understatement. It’s been over a year since their last defeat at the Allianz Arena, and you have to go back to 2019 to find the last time they were beaten on home soil by the two goals that PSG require to knock them out of this year’s Champions League.

But when Mbappe and Messi (2.42 and 2.98 respectively as anytime goalscorers) are part of the opposition there is always a chance, even if this one does feel like it could well be relatively cut and dry.

Bayern to win this match in 90 minutes is priced at 1.88, while the Germans to qualify is available at 1.23. While history suggests that it should be a tight affair between these two, PSG are certainly weaker without Neymar in their arsenal, though the same could be said for Bayern missing the suspended Benjamin Pavard.

Both teams to score (1.5) is my favourite play as PSG will go for broke. However, Bayern should still have enough to win the match.

Prediction: Bayern to win and Both teams to score @ 3.15

Tottenham Hotspur v AC Milan

Kick off: 8pm Wednesday

A 1-0 away defeat wasn’t the worst result for Spurs in the first leg, and they will certainly back themselves to beat their Italian opponents in this reverse fixture – even if it’s just by the one goal they need to bring things level.

Harry Kane: Tottenham's marksman will look to get on the scoresheet on Wednesday

The away form of Antonio Conte’s side this season has been poor to say the least, but they’ve been in much better shape on home turf. The same can be said for Milan, so it’s no surprise that the home side are the favourites to win in 90 minutes here (1.97). You can boost the odds by backing them to qualify for the next stage (2.38), which is certainly possible with a player like Harry Kane at their disposal.

It’s worth noting, however, that Spurs have lost all of their last four Champions League knockout ties going back to their 2018/19 final against Liverpool, so it’s hardly been a good run in this competition for them of late.

Prediction: Tottenham to qualify @ 2.38