PSG Return to the UEFA Champions League: Villarreal Opposition Preview

On Tuesday evening, PSG will return to UEFA Champions League matters when they face Villarreal on the road. 

Luis Enrique's side come into the game bang in form, having won nine games in a row, returning to the top of the league in the process. Two of those nine games were in the Champions League, against Slovan Bratislava and Manchester City. 

But what can we expect from Villarreal in this one? 

In the summer, Villarreal made the move to appoint Rayo Vallecano boss, Inigo Perez. The 38-year old had been Andoni Iraola's assistant manager at Vallecano, and would have moved with him to AFC Bournemouth in 2023, but could not get the necessary permit, so instead he became their number one, taking them to their first ever European final last season. 

So far, it has been a slightly underwhelming time with the Yellow Submarine, winning just five of his first 17 games in charge. Their 12 points from 11 La Liga games is surprisingly enough to be 8th in the league, whilst being closer to bottom than top points wise. 

As for the Champions League, it is three points from three games for Villarreal. Overall, it hasn't been a terrible effort. They lost a ding dong battle 3-2 away to Borussia Dortmund on MD1, before then beating Napoli 3-1 at home. Last time out, they bravely lost 4-3 to Liverpool in a great game against the aforementioned Iraola. 

Key dangerman for the hosts is Georgian forward Georges Mikautadze, who sadly won't be able to face his compatriot Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. He has scored twice and registered an assist in the competition this season, registering a goal contribution in all three of their games. 

Midfielder Pape Gueye is an excellent physical profile and has a serious eye for goal too, having already found the back of the net three times in La Liga this season. Left winger Alberto Moleiro has two league goals this season and is a serious threat in behind with his rapid speed. That could be a great battle against Achraf Hakimi. 

Former Arsenal forward Nicolas Pepe has enjoyed a career renaissance with Villarreal, and with PSG's current issues at left back in the absence of first choice Nuno Mendes, that could be something that Enrique will need to keep an eye on over the course of the game. 

Possible Villarreal XI against PSG on Tuesday; Gulacsi; Mourinho, Navarro, Veiga, Cardona; Comesana, Gueye; Pepe, Moreno, Moleiro; Mikautadze.