PSG Host Bayern in Champions League Semi-Final: Preview, Team News and Predictions

A Heavyweight Clash in the Last Four

The quarter-final between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich was undoubtedly thrilling, yet this semi-final pairing might just surpass it—pitting the competition's defending holders against the side many fancy to lift the trophy come June.

Bayern's passage to this stage came via a gripping encounter with Madrid. The Bavarians prevailed 6-4 across both legs, securing a 2-1 victory in Spain before engineering a dramatic turnaround in Munich. Madrid went ahead three times in the return fixture, only for late strikes from Luis Diaz and Michael Olise to swing matters decisively Bayern's way.

PSG's route proved considerably more straightforward. The French giants, last season's winners, dismantled Liverpool with a 2-0 triumph at home before returning to Anfield where they faced minimal resistance. Though the Reds rallied after the interval, PSG proved resolute in defence, with Ousmane Dembele's pair of late finishes sealing a commanding 4-0 aggregate scoreline.

Kick-Off Details

The first leg gets underway at 8pm BST on Tuesday, April 28 at the Parc des Princes. Amazon Prime will broadcast the action across the UK.

Team News and Availability

PSG's Nuno Mendes and Desire Doue were substituted during the Anfield victory but are fit and available for this encounter. Midfielder Fabian Ruiz has shaken off a two-month absence to feature in weekend Ligue 1 action against Angers, bolstering midfield options. However, the fitness of talismanic midfielder Vitinha remains uncertain as he battles a heel complaint.

Bayern's squad sheet carries its own concerns. Teenage prospect Lennart Karl may yet feature following a thigh injury layoff, while Serge Gnabry, Sven Ulreich and Tom Bischof remain sidelined. Manager Vincent Kompany faces a significant handicap, suspended from the touchline after accumulating three yellow cards.

The Betting Picture

PSG start as slight favourites for this opening leg at 5/4, with Bayern available at 9/5 to secure an advantage to take back to Germany. A draw is priced at 11/4. When considering progression odds, however, Bayern edge ahead at 4/6, with PSG at 11/10.

In the broader tournament betting, Bayern lead the market at 7/4, ahead of Arsenal at 9/4. PSG sit at 5/2 to successfully defend their title, whilst Atletico Madrid are outsiders at 7/1.

What to Expect

Bayern's recent record against PSG reads impressively: seven victories from their last nine meetings, including their 2020 final triumph when Kingsley Coman's goal against his former employers secured Munich's sixth European crown.

The Bavarians have been nothing short of magnificent this term. Seven consecutive Champions League wins have kept them in sensational form, whilst domestically they were confirmed Bundesliga champions just over a week ago, sitting 15 points clear atop the standings with 26 victories from 31 matches.

PSG possess plenty to admire as defending holders, yet Vititha's potential absence would prove costly, and Bayern's current trajectory appears relentless.

These sides met during the league phase in November, with Bayern prevailing 2-1 in Paris. Diaz was instrumental that evening, bagging both Bayern goals before receiving his marching orders. The Colombian has been nothing short of sensational in his debut Munich campaign, amassing 25 goals.

A repeat performance—Diaz finding the net in a Bayern victory—presents odds of 9/2.

Harry Kane, meanwhile, has scored in each of his five most recent Champions League outings. The England marksman boasts a remarkable 53-goal haul across all competitions this season, making him an attractive prospect at 11/10 to register anytime.