Paris Saint-Germain vs. Manchester City: A Crucial Champions League Clash

Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City will face off in a highly anticipated UEFA Champions League match at Parc des Princes on Wednesday. Both teams are facing potential elimination from the tournament after poor runs of form this European season.Despite a win away at Red Bull Salzburg, Luis Enrique’s PSG side remains in an elimination position after three games without a win. A tough draw for Les Parisiens has turned out to be even harder than expected with games against Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Atletico Madrid and City. Points were also dropped against PSV Eindhoven.A 2-1 win away at RC Lens has stretched their lead at the Championnat summit to nine points, so full focus can be applied here. PSG won 2-0 last time these two met in Paris and Luis Enrique has only ever lost twice to Pep Guardiola, being one of only two coaches to have seen his side score three or more goals more than once against Guardiola’s teams.City started poorly in Europe and that form has carried over into the league. Guardiola did see his side throw points away against Brentford but their only UCL wins this term have come against the likes of Sparta Praha and Slovan Bratislava.

Key Points:

PSG need four points from City and Stuttgart to advance to at least the playoffs.
City had lost just three times away in Europe across 28 games but have now lost consecutive UCL games for the first time since 2011-12.
The Citizens are in playoff place but a win could jeopardize that as they are only a point above PSG.

Team News:

PSG: Marquinhos and Achraf Hakimi have been doubts although Ousmane Dembele should return to the XI. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is not available for the final league phase games, meaning that Bradley Barcola can stake his claim for a starting spot. Luis Enrique could go with Goncalo Ramos or Desire Doue up top.
Manchester City: Nathan Ake and John Stones are out so expect to see Manuel Akanji and Ruben Dias start. Omar Marmoush and Abdukodir Khusanov will not be available until after the league phase — if they get there — and Rodri is the only long-term injury now that Oscar Bobb is back in training.

Prediction:

This is a huge game for both sides but one which PSG simply cannot afford to not win. Although a draw would not be a huge surprise, City are the ones who will likely survive a potential loss.Pick: PSG 2, City 1.