Two finalists, Manchester City & PSG, from the last two seasons of the UEFA Champions League lock horns in a key game that could potentially determine who qualifies in the first place. A win for either side would confirm their qualification to the round of 16 stage, although both sides could qualify if Club Brugge fails to beat RB Leipzig. In that case, both clubs would be playing for bragging rights and consolidation of the top spot. The last game between the two sides ended in favour of the Parisiens who won 2-0 at the Parc de Princes in Paris. Man City would be seeking to avenge that defeat, in their quest to make it to the next stage and build towards another final run.
Team News
Manchester City are without Kevin De Bruyne who is still recovering from Coronavirus. Jack Grealish remains a doubt for this game but could return at the weekend. Ferran Torres is the only long-term absentee.
PSG will be without Julian Draxler and Rafinha who didn’t travel with the squad. Kylian Mbappe missed training on Monday through illness but isn’t expected to miss Wednesday’s game. Sergio Ramos is also in the squad and in contention for his debut for the club.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Man City comes into this game on the back of a convincing 3-0 win against Everton. The Cityzens sit first in their Champions League group two points clear of tomorrow’s opponents. The reverse fixture ended in favour of the Parisiens who recorded a 2-0 victory at home. City’s confidence is brimming as they prepare for a crucial weekend that could see them climb up the PL table should Chelsea lose to Manchester United. The focus though remains on this game with a qualification in their own hands provided they can get a positive result. Cole Palmer started last weekend and proved why he’s one of the most talented City Football Academy graduates. A start tomorrow is on the cards for the youngster who has a chance to become a regular fixture in Pep Guardiola’s side.
PSG have had a strong showing in most games this season with profligacy blighting their performances. Despite a repertoire of world-class forwards, they have failed to break down stubborn defenses in some key games. Despite this, the big players tend to step up in big games. Lionel Messi is gradually finding his feet at the club and is looking for a constant threat in attack. Kylian Mbappe has put his transfer disappointment behind him and is playing with a renewed commitment to the Parisien cause. This game can be used to judge the progress of the club under Mauricio Pochettino who has recently been linked with the vacant Manchester United job. Beating City twice in the group stages could raise the morale level of the players knowing that City are one of the teams to beat after they featured in last season’s final.
Predicted Starting XIs
Manchester City predicted XI: Ederson, Walker Días Laporte, Cancelo; Gündogan, Bernardo, Rodri, Jesus, Palmer, Sterling.
Paris Saint Germain predicted XI: Navas, Kimpembe, Marquinhos, Hakimi, Mendes; Wijnaldum, Veratti, Gueye; Messi, Mbappe, Neymar.
