Paris Saint Germain vs APOEL Nicosia preview - Silva targeting vital victory

Posted Wednesday, November 05, 2014 by PA

Knowing victory against APOEL will put them in good stead to win Champions League Group E is all the motivation Paris St Germain need for Wednesday night's clash, according to skipper Thiago Silva.

PSG lead the way after a draw against Ajax was followed up by a 3-2 win over Barcelona and a 1-0 triumph over the Cypriot side last time out.

Barcelona are a point behind but with the Spanish side facing a tricky trip to Amsterdam, the match at the Parc des Princes could be the ideal opportunity for Laurent Blanc's men to create a gap at the top.

"We are very motivated because if we win, we get a chance to finish first in the group," Silva said at the pre-match press conference.

"I think the match will be similar to the first game in Cyprus. APOEL are a very difficult team to play against, very aggressive, in the right sense of the word, and they also have some very good individuals.

"They play very defensively and it's not easy finding space between the lines. They are a very tricky opponent to play against."

Breaking opponents down has been a problem for PSG this season as, although they are unbeaten, the capital club find themselves second in Ligue 1 after struggling to six draws in 12 of their matches.

"It is a season unlike any other because we have not actually lost," Silva said.

"This is positive for the moment, it proves that you worked hard defensively and that everyone participates.

"This (match) is very important for the rest of the season."

Keeping players fit will also be vital. PSG are without star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has not played since late September because of a heel injury, while Ezequiel Lavezzi, David Luiz, Marquinhos and Silva have all missed matches due to injury.

"We struggled at the beginning of the season," said boss Blanc.

"We had problems in the preparation of the season, with late returns and injuries. We do not hide behind that, but we can not ignore it."

The Parisians face an APOEL side four points clear at the top of the Cypriot league following a 4-0 win at Ethnikos Achna, while they have also impressed in Europe.

Although they have only one point, from a 1-1 draw at home to Ajax, they lost just 1-0 against Barcelona and to Wednesday's opponents.

"We know what they (APOEL) will offer against us," Blanc added.

"They are well organised, defended deep, and counter very well. The stage is set - it will not be easy."

APOEL will be without the experienced duo of John Arne Riise and Constantinos Charalambides who have foot injuries, while Kaka is also missing because a groin problem.