Verdict: Total PSG goals over 2.5
Best odds: 5/7
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
With their Club World Cup knockout berth still hanging in the balance, Paris Saint-Germain will enter Monday’s Group B clash with the Seattle Sounders knowing that three points will be enough to send them through.
The European champions suffered a surprise 1-0 defeat to Botafogo in their second outing, a result that stalled their progress after a comfortable opening win. Now level on three points with the Brazilians and facing the group’s bottom side, PSG will be determined to avoid further drama at a packed Lumen Field.
As for the Sounders, back-to-back losses have ended any hopes of progression, but pride and the opportunity to claim a historic scalp on home soil will serve as motivation when they meet one of the world’s elite clubs.
Seattle Sounders
Seattle Sounders’ Club World Cup campaign hangs by a thread, and their task on Monday could hardly be more daunting.
A 3-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid last time out—Seattle’s fourth straight loss—left them rock bottom of Group B with zero points, needing not only to defeat Paris Saint-Germain but also for Botafogo to overcome Atletico. Even then, goal difference in the head-to-head mini-table could be the deciding factor.
That grim scenario is compounded by a poor run of home form—the Sounders have now lost three straight games at Lumen Field, a slump not seen since 2011—and they must somehow reverse that trend in front of another bumper crowd against one of Europe’s most talented squads.
Team News
Thursday’s defeat also brought a fresh injury worry, with Kalani Kossa-Rienzi limping off late on; Alex Roldan is expected to return to the lineup, while Paul Arriola remains sidelined long-term.
Brian Schmetzer may also look to Ryan Kent for inspiration in the final third, with the former Rangers man joint-top in assists for the Rave Green this MLS season.
Paris Saint-Germain
Botafogo pulled off one of the Club World Cup’s biggest shocks so far by handing Paris Saint-Germain their first defeat since lifting the UEFA Champions League crown—achieving what even Arsenal and Inter Milan failed to do.
A deflected first-half effort from Igor Jesus—wrong-footing Gianluigi Donnarumma via a touch off Willian Pacho—proved enough for the Brazilian side, though it came against a strangely toothless PSG outfit. Luis Enrique’s men managed just two shots on target, making Botafogo keeper John Victor one of the least-tested goalkeepers to face PSG all season.
That result ended the French champions’ 19-game scoring run and confirmed that they cannot top Group B, though they still control their destiny. PSG will advance to the knockout rounds by simply bettering Atletico Madrid’s result against Botafogo, thanks to their superior head-to-head record.
With a potential last-16 clash against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami on the horizon, PSG will be keen to regain form and confidence in Seattle. A more aggressive approach is expected from Enrique, especially with a near full-strength squad available.
Team News
Ousmane Dembele remains sidelined with a thigh issue and may be rested until the knockouts, but key starters such as Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves and Fabian Ruiz are all set to return.
Bradley Barcola could also be handed a chance to lead the line as PSG look to bounce back and book their place in the next round.
Conclusion
With everything on the line, both teams are expected to throw caution to the wind in what could prove to be an all-or-nothing affair. However, Paris Saint-Germain should have little trouble rediscovering their attacking rhythm and stamping their authority on the match.
Seattle Sounders’ defensive vulnerabilities—having shipped at least two goals in each of their last four outings—leave them poorly equipped to cope with PSG’s firepower. Given the gulf in quality and form, the European champions are well placed to cruise into the knockout stage with a convincing victory.
Verdict: Total PSG goals over 2.5
Best odds: 5/7
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
