Saint-Germain Clash with Barcelona as Liverpool Hosts Villarreal

The third round of the UEFA Champions League group stage features a heavyweight clash between French title holders Paris Saint-Germain and Spanish side Barcelona.

After a relatively shaky start to the season, Paris Saint-Germain, winners of the past two titles, have begun to regain their rhythm. Their 3-1 victory over Strasbourg on Saturday marked their sixth consecutive win across all competitions.

None of these victories were more impressive than their 4-2 win over English side Manchester City in the second round, which extended their unbeaten run in the Champions League to 12 matches (eight wins and four draws), bringing them just one game away from equalling their record set in 2013.

Meanwhile, Barcelona have won all 11 of their matches this season, having thrashed Real Betis 5-2 on Saturday.

Barcelona also set a new Champions League record by scoring four or more goals in four consecutive group stage or league phase matches.

It is no surprise that German coach Hansi Flick boasts the best average goals per game (three) among all Barcelona managers who have led the team in five or more Champions League matches.

Having won their last two encounters, Paris Saint-Germain are aiming to become only the second team in the competition’s history to defeat Barcelona in three consecutive matches.

The Catalan club will face the match without their French international defenders Jules Kounde and Eric Garcia, who are sidelined with an ankle injury for the former and a thigh injury for the latter. Paris Saint-Germain will also be without left-back Nuno Mendes, who is out with a thigh injury.

In another fixture, Anfield will host a fiery European evening as Liverpool welcome visitors Villarreal, who are currently enjoying a surge in form.

Liverpool have regained their balance following a heavy 3-0 domestic defeat to Manchester City, securing a 6-3 away win in Europe against Austrian side LASK and a 2-1 home victory over Brentford.

These two Champions League wins have boosted their tally to 19 victories in their last 22 matches (against three defeats).