PSG v AC MILAN: OPPONENT REVIEW

After the goalless draw at a ground as tough as Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan are on the hunt for three points away to Paris Saint-Germain, in a potentially decisive match to gain access to the round of 16. Luis Enrique's team, who suffered their second-worst defeat in their history in the Champions League group stages in the last round (4-1 against Newcastle at St. James' Park), will only have the three points in their mind, as they hope to create some distance between themselves and the Rossoneri in the group F standings, currently one point ahead of AC Milan. 

The importance of the "home factor" for the French is proven by an impressive statistic: since 2012, PSG have only lost one of the 34 matches played at the Parc des Princes in the group stages of the competition (27W, 6D), the 1-2 loss to Manchester United in October 2020. PSG have won their last three home matches without conceding in all competitions and are aiming for four consecutive home wins and clean sheets for the first time since February 2021 (five in that case). 

POSSESSION AND TIKI-TAKA: PSG'S STRENGTHS
Like the majority of Luis Enrique teams, Paris Saint-Germain tend to make the most of their players' quality on the ball, trying to maintain constant possession. The French team have, in fact, maintained an average possession of 70.5% so far in this Champions League, fewer than only Manchester City (71.8%) who are also the only team to complete more passes per ball possession on average than PSG (9 for the Parisians, 9.4 for the English). 

To try and cause problems for their next opposition, AC Milan will have to hope the Parisians demonstrate the same accuracy in front of goal. Paris Saint-Germain have taken 28 shots in these first two matches of the tournament, but only five of them ended up on target. The only team to have had fewer shots on target is Borussia Dortmund (four). In terms of percentages, the host's shot accuracy is also a weakness for them, with 25%, better than only Dortmund. 

KYLIAN MBAPPÉ AND ACHRAF HAKIMI DRIVE THE PARISIAN ATTACK
If you talk about Paris Saint-Germain, the main threat for any defender can be none other than Kylian Mbappé. The 24-year-old talent, on target on nine occasions already this season, has the most goal contributions in the Champions League group stage since 2017/18 with 46, with 26 goals and 20 assists. He averages a goal or assist every 65 minutes. Mbappé has a strong record against Italian teams, he has seven goal contributions (four goals and three assists) in seven meetings against Serie A opposition. 

Another one to watch is a familiar face in Italian football, Achraf Hakimi. The Moroccan, with his four goals and two assists in his 10 appearances this season, is second only to Mbappé in goal contributions for the Parisians. Amongst defenders in Europe's top five leagues, only Jeremie Frimpong (five) has scored more goals than the PSG fullback (four) in all competitions this season. In addition to the aforementioned players, a mention must go out to our great former goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma: the Italian made 251 appearances for the Rossoneri in all competitions and will be facing his former team for the first time in an official match. 

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