Borussia Dortmund - Paris Saint Germain predictions and free betting tips [01/05/2024]

On Wednesday 1st May, Borussia Dortmund are set to host Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the first match of the Champions League semi-finals. Both teams dispatched Spanish giants in the previous round, with "The Bumblebees" overcoming Atletico Madrid, and PSG defeating Barcelona.

Predicted Lineups

Borussia Dortmund: Kobel; Raierson, Hummels, Schlatterbeck, Maatsen; Sabitzer, Gjan; Adeyemi, Brandt, Sancho; Füllkrug.
PSG: Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Dani, Hernandez; Vitinha, Zair-Emery; Dembélé, Asensio, Barkola; Mbappe.

Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund eased past Atletico Madrid in the last round, making amends for their 2-1 defeat in the first leg at the Wanda Metropolitano. The Bees quickly took a two-goal lead, but were pegged back twice (2:2), before Sabitzer and Füllkrug eventually struck late to knock Simeone's side out of the competition (securing a 5:4 victory on aggregate). In the Bundesliga, Edin Terzic's side have had less to celebrate, finishing second last season and now lagging well behind Bayer Leverkusen, they're now battling simply to secure a place in the top four. Last weekend, Dortmund were thrashed 4:1 at the Red Bull Arena by RB Leipzig, having played out a 1:1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen the week before. Aller, who scored a crucial goal in the first leg of the quarter-final at the Wanda Metropolitano, missed the return leg due to an ankle problem, but the Ivorian has since recovered and is ready to feature on Wednesday.

The same goes for Malen (11 goals in the league), who has been injured for a couple of weeks, along with defender Hummels and midfielder Sabitzer (who was benched against Leipzig due to flu). Bensebaini, on the other hand, remains out with an injury. The prolific Füllkrug (12 goals, 8 assists in the Bundesliga), along with the in-form Sancho (signed on loan from Manchester United for the second half of the season) and talented Adeyemi (3 league goals), are all expected to start. The team's midfield is orchestrated by Julian Brandt (6 goals, 11 assists), with the experienced Marco Reus in support.

Paris Saint-Germain

PSG turned around an unfavourable start to the previous round against Barcelona in Catalonia. Following a 3:2 defeat at home in the first leg, they capitalized on Araujo's sending off in the return match, routing the Blaugrana and sealing a semi-final spot with a 4:1 victory, thanks to goals from Kylian Mbappe (2), Vitinha and Ousmane Dembélé. Having reached such a high stage for the first time in three years, the visitors will be keen to perform better than they did against Manchester City in 2021. In the domestic league, the Parisians emerged as champions after a 3:3 draw with struggling Le Havre last weekend, securing their 12th Ligue 1 title following Monaco's stumble in Lyon on Sunday evening. It's worth noting that the Parisians are unbeaten in their last 15 away matches in all competitions. Excluding the long-term absentees in Kimpembe and Rico, along with Kurzawa who isn't registered for the Champions League, Luis Enrique will be able to field his optimal XI at Signal Iduna Park. Mbappe, who had been criticised for his underwhelming performance in the first leg against Barcelona, redeemed himself in the second leg, and his starting berth is not in question.

Dembélé (12 assists, 5 goals, including 2 against Barça) and the promising Barkola have also been highly productive on the wings, while Vitinha has been instrumental in anchoring the midfield. PSG's defence will once again comprise Nuno Mendes, Lucas Hernandez, Marquinhos, and Hakimi. As for Mbappe, the striker has netted 43 goals in 44 appearances this season, and a ticket to the final of Europe's premier competition could give him the edge in the race for the Ballon d'Or.

Head-to-Head

The two clubs faced each other in the group stage of this season's Champions League, with PSG not losing to Borussia Dortmund (a 2:0 win in France and a 1:1 tie in Germany).

Match prediction - Borussia Dortmund - PSG

Having claimed the Ligue 1 title last week, PSG will throw everything at clinching their maiden Champions League triumph. It's important to remember that Borussia Dortmund failed to best the Parisians in the group stage, and Dortmund's current form is also uncertain, with just two victories in their last six games across all competitions. The support of home fans will surely play a significant role, hence, my bet is on a draw.