PSG vs Tottenham: 2025 UEFA super cup match preview, prediction
PSG defender, Achraf Hakimi with Tottenham forward, Dominic Solanke. Photo Credit- TOD
The 2025 UEFA Super Cup kicks off the European club season with a blockbuster clash between Paris Saint-Germain- PSG and Tottenham Hotspur at Stadio Friuli in Udine, Italy, on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at 8:00 PM BST (9:00 PM CET). As Champions League winners, PSG face Europa League champions Tottenham in a one-off battle for the first continental silverware of the season. Both teams are chasing their first Super Cup title, with PSG aiming to close their historic 2024/25 treble and Tottenham looking to build on their European triumph under new manager Thomas Frank. This piece is set to explore both clubs’ recent performances, tactical approaches, team news, injuries, head-to-head statistics, and a scoreline prediction for this highly anticipated final.
PSG’s recent performances
PSG enter the Super Cup on the back of a monumental 2024/25 season, securing a historic treble with Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and their first-ever Champions League title, defeating Inter Milan 5-0 in the final. Their European campaign saw them overpower Premier League sides like Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Arsenal, showcasing their dominance. However, a 3-0 loss to Chelsea in the Club World Cup final on July 13, 2025, exposed fatigue after a grueling season, with no pre-season friendlies due to a late return to training on August 6. Despite this, PSG’s attacking prowess, led by Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, makes them heavy favorites, with bookmakers listing them at 2/5 to win in 90 minutes.
PSG’s tactical approach
Under Luis Enrique, PSG deploy a fluid 4-3-3 formation, emphasizing high pressing, quick transitions, and attacking flair. Their Champions League triumph showcased their ability to dominate possession (averaging 58% in Europe) and exploit wide areas through Dembele and Kvaratskhelia. Midfielders Vitinha and Warren Zaire-Emery provide creativity and energy, while the backline, led by Marquinhos and Willian Pacho, is robust. Enrique’s side is expected to target Tottenham’s weakened midfield, using their pace and movement to overwhelm Spurs’ defense. The addition of goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, replacing the outgoing Gianluigi Donnarumma, aims to bolster their build-up play, though his lack of competitive minutes may be a risk.
PSG team news and injuries
PSG boast a largely fit squad, with no major injuries reported. The recent €40 million signing of Lucas Chevalier from Lille is expected to start in goal, as Gianluigi Donnarumma, whose contract talks have stalled, faces an uncertain future and may be benched. New signing Illia Zabarnyi, a €57 million center-back from Bournemouth, is unlikely to feature due to his recent arrival. Enrique is expected to field a full-strength side, with Dembele, Kvaratskhelia, and Desire Doue leading the attack, supported by Vitinha, Zaire-Emery, and Fabian Ruiz in midfield.
Predicted lineup (4-3-3): Chevalier; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Ruiz; Doue, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia.
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Tottenham’s recent performances
Tottenham’s 2024/25 season was a tale of two extremes. Domestically, they struggled, finishing 17th in the Premier League with 38 points and 22 losses, their worst top-flight finish in 48 years. Yet, in Europe, they thrived, clinching the Europa League with a 1-0 victory over Manchester United, ending a 17-year trophy drought. Under new manager Thomas Frank, who replaced Ange Postecoglou after his dismissal, Spurs had a mixed pre-season, going unbeaten in five friendlies (two wins, three draws) before a 4-0 loss to Bayern Munich on August 7, 2025. Despite their underdog status at 6/1 odds, their Europa League success and new signings like Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha signal potential.
Tottenham’s tactical approach
Thomas Frank, known for his pragmatic approach from his Brentford days, has implemented a structured 4-2-3-1 with Tottenham, focusing on a mid-block to absorb pressure and exploit transitions. Their Europa League run highlighted their counter-attacking threat, with Brennan Johnson and new signing Kudus providing pace on the wings. Joao Palhinha’s loan from Bayern Munich adds steel to the midfield double pivot alongside Rodrigo Bentancur, aiming to disrupt PSG’s rhythm. However, Spurs’ defensive vulnerabilities, exposed in their Bayern loss, could be a concern against PSG’s dynamic attack. Frank’s focus on set-pieces, where Spurs scored 12 goals last season, could be a key weapon, especially with Cristian Romero’s aerial presence.
Tottenham team news and injuries
Tottenham face significant injury challenges. Creative midfielder James Maddison is ruled out for most of the season with an ACL injury sustained in a pre-season friendly against Newcastle. Long-term absentees include Dejan Kulusevski, Radu Dragusin, and new signing Kota Takai, while left-back Destiny Udogie and winger Bryan Gil are doubtful for the match and the upcoming Premier League opener against Burnley. Dominic Solanke, recovering from a summer injury, is expected to be available but may not start, with Richarlison likely to lead the line. The departure of club legend Heung-Min Son to LAFC leaves a leadership void, though Kudus and Mathys Tel bolster the attack.
Predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Bentancur, Palhinha; Kudus, Sarr, Johnson; Richarlison.
PSG vs Tottenham head-to-head statistics
PSG and Tottenham have never met in a competitive European fixture, making this their first official encounter. Their only prior clash was a 2017 International Champions Cup friendly, where Spurs won 4-2, with goals from Christian Eriksen, Eric Dier, Toby Alderweireld, and Harry Kane. PSG’s 2024/25 season saw them dominate English sides, winning five of eight matches against Premier League teams, including victories over Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Arsenal. Tottenham, meanwhile, beat French side Marseille twice in the 2022/23 Champions League group stage, showing they can handle Ligue 1 opposition. This lack of competitive history adds intrigue, but PSG’s recent success against English clubs gives them a psychological advantage.
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PSG vs Tottenham scoreline prediction
PSG’s superior squad depth, attacking firepower, and European pedigree make them clear favorites. Their 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan and wins over multiple Premier League sides highlight their ability to overwhelm top opposition. Tottenham’s transitional phase under Frank, compounded by injuries to key players like Maddison and Kulusevski, limits their chances of an upset. However, Spurs’ counter-attacking threat and set-piece prowess could keep the game competitive. Given PSG’s short pre-season and potential rustiness, Tottenham may find a goal, but PSG’s attacking trio should prove too much. Expect a high-scoring affair, with PSG securing the trophy in 90 minutes.
