Ludogorets v Paris: line-ups, where to watch, form guide
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Article summary
While not reading too much into Paris Saint-Germain's indifferent start to the season, Georgi Dermendzhiev says Ludogorets Razgrad should have no reason to be fearful of the Ligue 1 side.
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Article body
- Georgi Dermendzhiev says Ludogorets are "not afraid" of Paris
- Ludogorets unbeaten in nine in all competitions, winning six
- Paris have already suffered as many league defeats (2) as in whole of last season
- Both teams surrendered leads to draw 1-1 on matchday one
- Elsewhere in Group A: Arsenal v Basel
Possible line-ups
Ludogorets Razgrad: Stoyanov; Minev, Moţi, Palomino, Nataniel; Dyakov, Anicet; Misidjan, Marcelinho, Wanderson; Cafú.
Out: Cicinho (ankle), Vitinha (knee)
Paris Saint-Germain: Aréola; Aurier, Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Maxwell; Krychowiak, Matuidi; Verratti, Lucas, Di María ; Cavani.
Out: Jesé (knee), Ben Arfa (tibia)
Doubtful: Rabiot (groin)
Where to watch
Fans can find their local UEFA Champions League broadcast partner(s) here.
Georgi Dermendzhiev, Ludogorets coach
We have a chance against Paris, I'm sure of that. They are a great side but we are not afraid of them. Of course we respect them, and we will give our best. We have gained experience and the players have already shown their potential.
The fact they have lost twice and drawn once in the French league means nothing. They have star players and no weak point, but we will nonetheless try to make the most of our chances. Paris are probably still searching for their own style and the coach needs time, but they are still a very strong side.
Unai Emery, Paris coach
I have the utmost respect, not only for Ludogorets but for every team. Ludogorets deserved their place in the tournament and took a point from their first game against Basel. We will see tomorrow who is the better team. Our motivation is high and we will fight for the three points. I expect a very tough contest. In the previous match against Arsenal, we played well but did not win. Time is on our side and we work hard every day to improve ourselves.
Weekend results
Vereya 1-5 Ludogorets Razgrad (Elias 84pen; Misidjan 13, Jonathan Cafú 39 68, Wanderson 49, Marcelinho 70)
Ludogorets stretched their unbeaten run to nine games in all competitions by recording their biggest Bulgarian league victory since 16 May.
Toulouse 2-0 Paris (Bodiger 48pen, Durmaz 79)
Paris sustained their second Ligue 1 loss of the season – the same number as in the entire 2015/16 campaign. With the game goalless, Serge Aurier was shown his second yellow card for a foul in the area on Ola Toivonen.
Form guide (all competitions, most recent first)
Ludogorets: WWWDWD
Paris: LWWDDL
Reporter's view: Stoyan Georgiev (@UEFAcomStoyanG)
Paris are yet to hit top gear under Emery following the departure of Zlatan Ibrahimović, but are clear favourites here. However, while I expect a busy night for the Ludogorets defence, Paris should watch their backs on the counter, where Misidjan, Marcelinho, Wanderson and Cafú all pack a punch. In 1982, Paris lost 1-0 to Lokomotiv Sofia at this stadium in their first UEFA competition tie. It's a long shot, but history could repeat itself if the French champions are not careful.
Did you know?
Ludogorets became the first Bulgarian side to win a UEFA Champions League group stage game in 2014/15. Which team did they beat? Find out in our extensive match background.