PSG too strong for lethargic Leverkusen in Champions League

PSG star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has scored just three goals in a dozen games against German opposition in his illustrious club career. Punters can back the otherwise prolific Swede at evens to score anytime as Laurent Blanc’s side travel to Bayer Leverkusen in Champions League action.

Ibrahimovic has four in his last four matches and PSG, who are 6/5 favourites to win in Germany, have lost just once in their last 13 outings. While they have pulled five points clear of Monaco at the top of France’s Ligue 1, Leverkusen have fallen way behind runaway Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich.

Sami Hyypia’s side have lost five of their last seven games, and during that spell have relied on six different scorers – including an own goal. Stefan Kiessling, frozen out of the World Cup picture because of a spat with Germany national coach Joachim Low, is the leading Leverkusen marksman with 14 in all competitions.

Kiessling is 6/4 to score anytime against PSG. Hosts Leverkusen, who are 5/2 to win the first leg, will be without Emre Can because of a ban. They may also be missing Bosnia’s Emir Spahic from the heart of defence as he came off injured in their last outing.

Supporting cast Son Heung-Min and Sidney Sam are both 15/8 shots to score anytime from wide berths. On-loan left-sided Mexican player Andres Guardado may get the nod though as he only played Europa League football with Valencia this term.

You can get 3/1 on 99-times-capped Guardado scoring a goal here. Home form is a real concern for Leverkusen as they have won just once in front of their own fans in the last four attempts.

PSG, meanwhile, are unbeaten away from home since fielding a weakened team in the final group stage game away to Benfica in December. Edinson Cavani is out for Blanc’s boys with a thigh problem, but former Newcastle United playmaker Yohan Cabaye is set to start and a 2/1 chance to score anytime.

All signs point to an away win and PSG holding a healthy advantage to take back to the Parc des Princes. Odds of 10/1 on a 2-0 victory for the Parisians are tempting.