The preview: Dortmund-Paris

FOCUS ON THE LEAGUE TABLE

After their hard-fought draw secured in the last seconds of the previous match against Newcastle (1-1), Les Parisiens sit in second position in Group F with 7 points, which is two points more than both Newcastle and AC Milan. Thanks to their wins at the Parc des Princes against Borussia Dortmund (2-0) and then against the Rossoneri (3-0), Paris Saint-Germain have two wins to their name: one more than their English and Italian chasers.

As for Borussia Dortmund, the German club sits at the top of a group that is as unpredictable as it is fiercely contested. Their spot in first place is explained by an impressive three consecutive victories in the competition. It all started at St James' Park (0-1), followed by a win against the Magpies once again at home (2-0), and then securing a win at the San Siro two weeks ago (1-3). The Borussen therefore have 10 points on the board.

A look back at the last outing between the sides 

The teams clashed in the opening match of the group stage on 19 September at the Parc des Princes. In an electrifying atmosphere, it was the visitors who initially posed a threat, with Donyell Malen trying his luck with his right foot, but his effort was well dealt with by Gigio Donnarumma (14'). Despite Paris controlling the game in the first half, exemplified by a lively Vitinha whose attempt hit the German post moments later (19') and having more of the possession (79%), Les Rouge et Bleu couldn't find the breakthrough in the first half.

It took until the start of the second half to see Kylian Mbappé break the deadlock with a penalty struck powerfully into the bottom corner (1-0, 49'). A liberating goal for Les Parisiens, which was followed by Achraf Hakimi doubling the lead on the hour mark with a sublime finish from outside the box, effortlessly taking it past Mats Hummels before slotting home (2-0, 58'). In the dying moments of the game, Gonçalo Ramos thought he had capped off his side's performances by scoring a third goal, but it was eventually disallowed for a marginal offside. However, this couldn't take away from the the club from the capital's superb team performance, securing a 2-0 victory against Borussia Dortmund and starting their Champions League campaign in perfect style.

THE OPPONENTS TO watch  

Borussia Dortmund's top scorer of the season, Niclas Füllkrug (6 goals), wasn't initially the most anticipated forward at the club. However, the German international (13 caps, 10 goals) might be one of the players to keep an eye on for the Paris defence on Wednesday night. Arriving in Dortmund this summer after shining at Werder Bremen, Niclas Füllkrug is winning over the hearts of the German supporters with his combative spirit and sharp goal-scoring instincts. Particularly adept in aerial duels, BVB's striker has been decisive on six occasions (4 goals, 2 assists) in his last seven matches for the German club. Against Paris, he will aim to put pressure on the Paris back-line and potentially notch his second goal in the competition.

In midfield, Julian Brandt is also expected to be involved. The former Bayer Leverkusen player could be one of the key elements in orchestrating and building the game for BVB. Having contributed to 14 goals this season (6 goals, 8 assists), the German international (47 caps, 3 goals) will aim to showcase his passing quality and vision against Les Rouge et Bleu. Extremely skillful with the ball at his feet, Brandt could be a determining factor during Borussia Dortmund's attacking transitions. His influence in the midfield will need to be carefully managed by the Paris midfield to prevent him from expressing his creativity.

Finally, who else but Marco Reus to lead Borussia's attacks? At 34 years old, the BVB living legend is currently in his 12th European campaign with the club from the Ruhr, his 10th in the Champions League, amassing a total of 23 goals and 20 assists in 64 UCL matches. In this high-stakes encounter, such experience can only be an asset for the home team. With already 5 goals and 3 assists in the bag this season, Marco Reus hasn't lost any of his magic. Blessed with exceptional technical quality and natural leadership, the German international (48 caps, 15 goals) will attempt to find a way through the visitors' defence. 

FOCUS ON: Bradley barcola

While making his fourth start of the season, Bradley Barcola actively contributed to his team's victory against FC Nantes on Saturday (2-1). In scoring the opening goal following a beautiful move with Vitinha down the left flank, the French youth international netted for the first time in Paris Saint-Germain colours. A precious goal that put his team on the path to victory and further demonstrated the young Parisian winger's promise.

Involved in everything that was good against Les Canaris, Bradley Barcola touched the ball no less than 61 times during the match with 77% pass accuracy. After picking up two assists recently against Brest and Reims, the forward has now been decisive on three occasions in his last five appearances for the club, all within 188 minutes. Against Borussia Dortmund, Bradley Barcola will once again attempt to leverage his technical finesse to try and make an impact for the club from the capital.