UEFA Super Cup 2025: PSG vs Tottenham Preview, Tactical Analysis & Predictions
UEFA Super Cup 2025 Preview: PSG vs Tottenham – Tactical Analysis, Predictions & Key Talking Points
The UEFA Super Cup, this year, is set to be a thriller, presenting an unforgiving clash between Paris Saint-Germain (reigning Champions League winners) and Tottenham Hotspur(fresh Europa League champions) under a new manager, Thomas Frank. It’s a head-to-head battle of Europe’s reigning champions, amid a charged and electric build-up.
MATCH DETAILS
• Date: On 13th August, 2025
• Time: By 9pm (CET)
• Venue: At Stadio Friuli, Udine, Italy
• Competition: UEFA Super Cup
This isn’t just a game for a trophy, it’s a tactical duel of different playing styles, a test of two relentless managers and a huge chance for one team to grab some early-season form.
Paris Saint-Germain: Champions League Glory & Redemption Mission
PSG approach this clash on the back of their historic first-ever Champions League victory, a turning point in the club’s history. The unexpected 3-0 loss to Chelsea in the Club World Cup final served as a turning point for Luis Enrique and his team, they’ll be eager to put that setback behind them and claim another significant piece of silverware.
Team News:
Suspended: João Neves (red card in Club World Cup final)
Out: Gianluigi Donnarumma (contract uncertainty, likely to depart)
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Chevalier; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Zaïre-Emery, Vitinha, Fabián Ruiz; Doué, Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia
Key Player to Watch:
Ousmane Dembélé – Recently crowned 2024/2025 Champions League Player of the Season, he remains a constant attacking threat, as he is expected to lead PSG’s attack, with rapid speed, sharp dribbling skills and an ability to shatter defensive walls.
Tottenham Hotspur: A New Era Under Thomas Frank
Tottenham’s Europa League triumph was the silver lining in a turbulent season. Now, with Thomas Frank taking charge, Spurs are entering a transitional period and what better way to start than with an upset against Europe’s most star-studded squad?
Team News:
Out: James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Radu Dragusin (long-term injuries)
Disciplinary: Yves Bissouma omitted from the squad
Doubt: Destiny Udogie
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Bentancur, Palhinha; Kudus, Sarr, Odobert; Solanke.
Key Player to Watch:
Mohammed Kudus – The Ghanaian playmaker has dazzled in preseason and will be central to Spurs’ counter-attacking threat.
Tactical Battle
1. PSG’s Attack vs. Tottenham’s Defence:
Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia will constantly expand the attacking shape, forcing Tottenham’s full-backs into uncomfortable one-on-one offensive battles.
2. Midfield Control vs Disruption:
PSG’s possession-based trio, Zaïre-Emery, Vitinha, Fabián Ruiz, will look to dictate tempo. Spurs’ new signing João Palhinha must break their rhythm if Tottenham hopes to stay competitive.
3. Counter-Attack vs High Press:
Spurs will likely adopt a deep defensive solidity, unleashing forward with Kudus and Solanke when chances arise. PSG’s defensive transition will be tested.
Historical Context
In the past decade, Champions League winners, have taken control of the Super Cup era, winning 11 out of the last 12 encounters. However, the stats don’t reflect the full drama but each clash is a battle of nerves and endurance. Seven of the last ten finals have eventually been decided either in extra time or through a penalty shootout. In 2025, there’s a change to the format, if the match is tied after 90 minutes, it will go directly to a penalty shootout, with no extra time played.
Prediction & Expert Opinion
Considering Tottenham’s extensive injury list and PSG’s attacking depth, the French champions are clear favourites. Spurs’ sensible game plan is to remain defensively solid, stay organised in defence and look to strike on the counter. However, PSG’s technical mastery may break their defensive fighting spirit.
Prediction: PSG to win the UEFA Super Cup
