Champions League team news and prediction: RB Leipzig vs PSG

Semi-final one of the 2019/20 Champions League will be contested between Bundesliga side RB Leizpig and Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain. Leipzig have reached this stage of the competition for the first time, while PSG are into the last four for the first time in 15 years. It's been long overdue for PSG, while Leipzig are punching well above their weight, particularly when you consider they are competing without former striker Timo Werner.

Ahead of Tuesday night's highly anticipated match-up, we have all the need-to-know information in one place, including where the match is taking place, what time it kicks off, team news, probable XIs and scoreline prediction.

When is kick off?
Tuesday 18th August, 20:00 GMT
Where is the match?
Estadio da Luz, Lisbon (Portugal)
Where can I watch it?
BT Sport 1 / BT Sport Extra 1 / BT Sport Ultimate

How they qualified

RB Leipzig's European adventure was meant to stop at the quarter-final stage when they faced Atletico Madrid. Having lost Timo Werner to Chelsea in July, Leipzig's attack looked toothless on paper and it seemed unlikely they'd break down Atletico Madrid's sound defence. That wasn't to be the case, however. The Bundesliga side ran out 2-1 winners thanks to goals from Dani Olmo and Tyler Adams, with the latter scoring his first ever European goal in the 88th-minute to win the game for Leipzig.

Paris Saint-Germain looked to be heading out of the competition in typical fashion when they faced Serie A flyers Atalanta in the last eight, trailing 1-0 into injury time. Another season of underachievement in Europe looked on the cards but Thomas Tuchel's side pulled it out of the bag with two goals after the 90 minutes were up to take the match 2-1.

Team News

There is nothing much to report as far as Leipzig's squad is concerned. The Bundesliga outfit will still be without Ibrahima Konate through injury, while summer additions Hwang Hee-Chan and Benjamin Henrichs are ineligible. Star striker Timo Werner joined Chelsea in July. Julian Nagelsmann is expected to name an unchanged starting XI from last week, with Kevin Kampl retaining his place in midfield after a solid showing against Atletico. Meanwhile, Christopher Nkunku will play against his boyhood club.

Paris Saint-Germain look set to be without first-choice goalkeeper Keylor Navas on Tuesday night after the ex-Real Madrid shot-stopper limped off during last week's win over Atalanta. Sergio Rico will replace Navas between the sticks, while Thomas Tuchel will also be unable to call on key midfielder Marco Verratti. PSG are at least boosted by the return of Angel di Maria, who was suspended in the quarter-final. Kylian Mbappe should also be fit to start after only managing 30 minutes from the bench in the last round.

Probable XIs

RB Leipzig (4231): Gulacsi; Klostermann, Upamecano, Halstenberg, Angelino; Laimer, Kampl; Sabitzer, Olmo, Nkunku; Poulsen

PSG (4222): Rico; Kehrer, Silva, Kimpembe, Bernat; Marquinhos, Gueye; Di Maria, Neymar; Icardi, Mbappe

Key Battle: Dayot Upamecano vs Presnel Kimpembe

With Thiago Silva departing once their European campaign ends, Presnel Kimpembe is certainly the future of Paris Saint-Germain's defence. The 25-year-old will also hope to start to leave his mark on the French national team in the near future but could soon find himself ousted by compatriot Dayot Upamecano. The latter has decided to stay at RB Leipzig for another season despite interest from some of Europe's biggest clubs this season. Upamecano was immense in Leipzig's win over Atletico Madrid in the last round, claiming the WhoScored Man of the Match award.

Tuesday's match-up with PSG will certainly be the biggest test of Upamecano's career to date on the biggest stage. With Kylian Mbappe and Angel di Maria set to return to the starting XI for PSG, Upamecano will have his hands full all night. He has, however, remarkably completed 95.5% of his attempted tackles, dribbled past on just one occasion in the Champions League this season. He will need his timing to be on point against PSG. 

Prediction: RB Leipzig 1-2 PSG