9 hours ago
2
Key events Show key events only Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature
I should say the wonder combination of James Richardson, Mamadou Sakho and Jon Obi Mikel for the last match was a fantastic surprise.
I am genuinely interested in people’s views on the competition. I watched the buildup to Bayern v Auckland and the first half hour of the match. I can’t stand each player coming out onto the pitch separately nor the pointless countdown to kick-off. The fact Bayern played at half speed did add an element of humour. If this was a Champions League night, I would be very excited by this fixture but I am quite concerned it will be pretty sterile.
Thus far in the tournament we have had a 0-0 draw and a 10-0 win. I am not sure this is the sort of “entertainment” Fifa were hoping for. There were plenty of empty seats and zero atmosphere for Bayern’s rampant win over Auckland, so Infantino must be desperate for this to be better.
Starting lineups
PSG (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz; Doue, Ramos, Kvaratskhelia
Subs: Hernandez, Kamara, Kang-in, Beraldo, Mayulu, Mbaye, Safonov, Tenas, Zaire-Emery
Atletico: (4-3-3) Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Lenglet, Galan; De Paul, Samuel Lino; Simeone, Griezmann, Alvarez
Subs: Azpilicueta, Correa, Gallagher, Gimenez, Gomis, Reinildo, Kostis, Witsel, Lemar, Carlos Martin, Molina, Musso, Koke, Riquelme, Sorloth
Preamble
A couple of weeks on from winning the Champions League, PSG are back in action in the Club World Cup. They must be seen as favourites after being crowned the best in Europe but they might be a little tired from celebrating and a bit of international duty.
Atletico finished their league campaign on 25 May, so were afforded an extra week off prior to international commitments. Will that be beneficial or are PSG in more of a flow?
This is certainly the most intriguing of the games over the first couple of days of the competition. Inter Miami’s opening night draw with Al Ahly did little to get people excited, so maybe two European giants going head to head will get a few more eyeballs.
It will be very hot in Los Angeles for this one, which I am sure the players will be ecstatic about after a long season.
Kick-off 8pm BST.
English (US)