On Thursday night, French champions Paris Saint-Germain host Italian giants AC Milan in a big Champions League clash. Both teams need a victory to boost their hopes of qualifying from Group F.

PSG suffered an embarrassing 4-1 loss away to Newcastle United in their previous European match. But they will be determined to bounce back with a better performance against Milan at their home stadium.

Milan has started slowly as well, drawing 0-0 in both their opening games. They must improve their attacking if they want to beat star-studded PSG in France. An exciting contest is expected between two of Europe's biggest clubs.

Paris Saint Germain vs AC Milan

The much-anticipated match will take place on Thursday, October 26th, 2023, at Parc des Princes

AC Milan - Italy's Giants

Along with Juventus and Inter, AC Milan are Italian soccer royalty. They have been crowned European champions 7 times over their illustrious history.

But lately, Milan has struggled to score goals in the Champions League. They have drawn 0-0 in both of their games this season so far.

Milan also lost 1-0 to old rivals Juventus domestically over the weekend. So they must improve in attack if they want to beat PSG's stars.

On a positive note, Milan has not conceded a goal in 4 straight European matches. They also very rarely lose against French opposition.

Key Men

Mike Maignan - Milan's first-choice keeper recently returned from suspension to stabilize their defense.

Rafael Leao - The speedy Portuguese winger has been Milan's main threat with his dribbling and finishing.

Olivier Giroud - Up front, the powerful French striker provides clever link-up play and aerial presence.

What Can We Expect?

A potential Champions League classic awaits as two storied clubs collide in Paris. PSG are under pressure after humiliation against Newcastle and need a big response.

But AC Milan's organized defensive shape and threatening counterattacks mean they cannot be written off. The Italian giants have the tools to frustrate PSG, especially if Giroud can occupy the hosts' vulnerable defense.

Nonetheless, PSG are favorites with the mercurial Mbappe a constant menace. If Milan leave any space, PSG have the brilliance to slice them open. Both clubs desperately need the win to ignite their European hopes this season.

Expect a tense, tight affair that could swing either way. Will PSG's galaxy of stars shine under pressure? Or can resilient AC Milan stun Paris? This blockbuster clash is simply too close to call.

PSG - France's Finest

Paris Saint-Germain is the dominant force in French soccer. They have won the league title 7 times in the last 10 seasons.

But PSG were outplayed by Newcastle in their last Champions League game, losing 4-1 - their worst European defeat in over 20 years.

Manager Luis Enrique was very unhappy with how PSG performed. Since then, they have won both their league matches to get their season on track once again.

Now PSG will be fired up to make amends and prove the Newcastle loss was just a blip by beating Milan at their home stadium Parc des Princes. They rarely lose big European games in Paris.

PSG's Stars

Kylian Mbappe - The French superstar striker boasts unbelievable pace and skill. He scores goals with ease.

Achraf Hakimi - The Moroccan right back loves bombing forward down the wing to support attacks. His speed is a huge weapon.

Gianluigi Donnarumma - PSG's Italian goalkeeper is considered one of the world's best shot-stoppers.

How The Game Will Go

This matchup will likely see PSG control most of the ball with their slick passing against Milan's organized defense. Enough chances should come for an exciting, open game.

PSG will be hungry to make amends for their Newcastle embarrassment by dominating at home. But Milan is always tough to break down and dangerous on counterattacks.

With so much attacking talent on display, both teams seem capable of scoring. But PSG will be big favorites on their turf against Milan's struggling attack.

The Most Anticipated Contest

A blockbuster Champions League clash awaits on Wednesday as two of Europe's heavyweights face off under the lights in Paris. French champions Paris Saint-Germain host Italian giants AC Milan in a pivotal Group F showdown.

Both clubs have ground to make up after underwhelming starts to their European campaigns. The stakes couldn't be higher for PSG and Milan with defeat leaving either facing elimination after just three games.

Big spending PSG suffered humiliation in a 4-1 thrashing away to Newcastle last matchday. They will be desperate to atone in front of their passionate home fans against an AC Milan side struggling for goals.

This is a must-win match for two iconic clubs eager to launch their seasons. With elite talent like Mbappe, Leao, and Giroud on display, expect fireworks in a dramatic contest between European royalty.

Predicted Lineups

Paris Saint-Germain: G. Donnarumma, L. Hernandez, Marquinhos, M. Skriniar, A. Hakimi, Vitinha, M. Ugarte, K. Mbappe, O. Dembele, Goncalo Ramos

AC Milan: Mike Maignan, T. Hernandez, F. Tomori, Malick Thiaw, A. Florenzi, Yunus Musah, T. Reijnders, Yacine Adli, Noah Okafor, C. Pulisic, Luka Jovic

Key Battles

Danilo Pereira vs Olivier Giroud

PSG's Portuguese defensive midfielder must contain Milan's clever French striker Giroud. His intelligent movement and aerial threat could exploit the holes left by PSG's marauding fullbacks. Denying Giroud space to operate will be critical.

Achraf Hakimi vs Theo Hernandez

A thrilling shootout between attacking fullbacks awaits. Morocco's Hakimi and France's Hernandez love bombing forward at every chance. Whoever prevails in this duel down the wing could decide the contest.

Kylian Mbappe vs Fikayo Tomori

PSG's superstar Mbappe will look to isolate Milan's athletic English center-back Tomori in 1v1 situations. Mbappe's unmatched pace and trickery pose a scary threat. Tomori must hold his ground against the French phenomenon.

Conclusion

This matchup looks likely to see PSG control possession through passing while Milan stays organized defensively. But both teams should create chances in an open contest.

Stung by their thrashing in Newcastle, PSG will be fired up to dominate at home and prove they are still among Europe's elite. But Milan's defense is very tough to break down and they remain dangerous on counters.

With attacking talent on both teams, goals seem possible at either end. But PSG will be strongly favored on their pitch against Milan's underwhelming attack so far.

This huge match is vital for two giants eager to kick-start their Champions League. A fiercely contested battle lies in store