dpA further look into recent statistics shows the high praise directed at PSG and Barca is warranted.
In expected goals (xG) per league match in Europe’s top five leagues since last season, Barca (2.56) and PSG (2.22) rank second and third respectively. Only Bayern (3.06) are above both.
Barcelona are also second for goals scored and goals scored per match in that time, with PSG sixth and fifth in those metrics respectively.
However, PSG have played fewer league games than Barca, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Manchester City, who are all high performers in those tables.
PSG’s squad depth has allowed them to make wholesale changes frequently in Ligue 1 games and still get results.
They beat Strasbourg 3-1 on Saturday despite making eight changes to the team that won 4-2 in the Champions League three days earlier.
“They’ve earned the right to rest their players,” said European football journalist Raphael Honigstein.
Barca have also added squad depth this season that has led to an increase in attacking firepower.
In 10 of their 11 matches in all competitions this season they have scored three or more goals. In six games they have scored five or more.
“The biggest and most obvious difference is the squad depth that they’ve added through some brilliant signings in the likes of Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi,” said BBC Sport’s Spanish football reporter Elizabeth Conway.
“They’ve brought real pace and directness to the attack, and Gabriel Jesus has given them another option up front. It’s been pivotal.”
