PSG vs Atalanta Prediction: Another clean sheet for Les Parisiens

Paris Saint-Germain begin their Uefa Champions League title defence on Wednesday (20:00 BST, TNT Sports 3) as they host Atalanta at Parc des Princes. Les Parisiens have started their domestic campaign strongly with four wins in as many games in Ligue 1.

Atalanta underwent a managerial change in the summer and so far they don't appear to be the force they once were. Below you will find my PSG vs Atalanta predictions, featuring the latest team news and match odds.

Team News

PSG boss Luis Enrique is having to cope without some of his prized attackers for this European opener as Desire Doue (calf) and Ousmane Dembele (hamstring) are ruled out due to injury.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the other member of their exciting front three, is a doubt to participate on Wednesday after picking up a calf issue of his own in the victory over Lens on Sunday.

Lee Kang-in and Lucas Beraldo also picked up ankle problems in that match and they too are unlikely to feature in Paris. There is hope, however, that midfielder Fabian Ruiz will be fit enough to start the game, which will give the hosts a boost.

With PSG's main attacking trio set to miss out, Bradley Barcola, Ibrahim Mbaye and Goncalo Ramos should lead the line for the French outfit.

Football Odds

Atalanta manager Ivan Juric has said that star attacker Ademola Lookman is not yet ready to return from an exile he imposed himself, after failing to get his wish of a summer transfer. PSG were one of the clubs linked with the Nigerian but nothing ever materialised.

Striker Gianluca Scamacca remains a doubt with an inflamed knee, so Charles De Ketelaere is likely to assist Nikola Krstovic in attack. De Ketalaere recorded nine goal involvements in 10 Champions League matches for La Dea last term.

Combative midfielder Ederson is still absent owing to a knee issue, while defender Sead Kolasinac continues to recover from an ACL injury.

PSG vs Atalanta Odds

PSG have won their previous four games in all competitions, and they are also unbeaten in 11 of their last 12 meetings with Italian opposition. They are 4/9 (implied probability of 69.2%) to come out on top here.

Atalanta have drawn two of their past three fixtures in all competitions and the stalemate is marketed at 4/1. The visitors are 13/2 to come away with the victory and they are unbeaten in their last eight away trips in the Champions League group stage/league phase.

PSG have won three of their previous four matches to nil and this market is priced at 6/4 in Paris.

PSG to win to nil @ 6/4

PSG were by far the best team in the Champions League last season, but it did take them a while for them to reach their peak level. They may not have been able to add the Fifa Club World Cup crown to their roster in the summer but they will be primed for a strong title defence in the UCL.

Injuries to some of their key stars is not ideal but this is where Luis Enrique's squad depth can be highlighted. A front three of Barcola, Ramos and Mbaye is still impressive at this level and one that will have a lot of clubs envious.

The French side head into this European contest in good form, having had a flawless start to the Ligue 1 campaign. The attacking players currently deputising for the main men are playing their part, and they are going to want to impress against Atalanta so that they can give their manager a few selection headaches moving forward.

The visitors are not in the form they would wish to be in heading to Paris and it looks like they are still getting to grips with the new management team, while the Lookman situation is not helping matters.

I think La Dea will be overwhelmed by PSG inside Parc des Princes, and I believe the hosts will secure another win/clean sheet combination.

Bradley Barcola anytime goalscorer @ 7/5

France international Barcola is the perfect example of PSG's attacking depth. He is a player who would start for a lot of clubs competing in the Champions League, but more often than not he starts on the bench in this competition for Les Parisiens.

With Doue and Dembele ruled out, Barcola should start on Wednesday and this presents him with an opportunity to stake a claim for a regular spot in the XI. He will have likely gained some confidence at the weekend as he struck twice against Lens and I feel that this momentum can serve him well in this Champions League opener.

Atalanta are still getting to grips with Juric's methods but even if they were up to speed, PSG would have too much for them to handle, and Barcola is one player who can seriously hurt them.

Offers

Wednesday: Opt in and build your own Bet Builder (3/1+) of 3+ legs on any Champions League game on Wednesday and get 100% of your stake back in Free Bets up to £10 if you lose. (Credited within 24 hours)

Place a pre-match 5+ leg Football accumulator and get a CASH bonus up to 100% if all of your selections win or your money back as CASH if one leg lets you down

You can read all our latest Football Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights content hub.