Top 5 predictions for PSG vs Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League
French giants PSG host Premier League champions Manchester City at the Parc des Princes on Matchday 2 of the UEFA Champions League. Both sides have been in strong form of late and will be looking to go top of Group A with a win.
PSG surprisingly drew 1-1 against Club Brugge on Matchday 1 of the UEFA Champions League. However, Mauricio Pochettino's side have since gone on a three-game winning streak and will be going into the game off the back of a 2-0 win against Montpellier at the weekend.
The Parisiens will, however, have a weakened side, as both Angel Di Maria and Marco Verratti are unavailable, while Lionel Messi is a doubt for the game.
Manchester City, on the other hand, are looking to take a commanding lead in Group A following their 6-3 victory against RB Leipzig on Matchday 1 of the UEFA Champions League. Pep Guardiola's side beat current Champions League holders Chelsea at the weekend and will look to carry their momentum into the game against PSG.
City will also have an almost full-strength side for the game, with only Oleg Zinchenko and Ilkay Gundogan carrying minor issues.
With both sides in great form and boasting some of the world's best players, this fixture is set to be an enthralling contest. With that being said, here are the
Top 5 predictions for PSG vs Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League
#5 Lionel Messi will be involved in some capacity
Mauricio Pochettino will be sweating on the fitness of Argentine superstar Lionel Messi. The forward picked up a bone bruise in the game against Lyon earlier this month and has missed the last two games for PSG.
However, Lionel Messi is now back in training and is fighting to be fit for the UEFA Champions League game against Manchester City. Pochettino will know that playing Messi will be risky if he is not fully fit. However, the Argentine has the ability to change the outcome of the game singlehandedly.
Whether it be from the start or off the bench, one can expect Lionel Messi to be involved for PSG against Manchester City on Matchday 2 of the UEFA Champions League.
#4 Kylian Mbappe will cause problems for Manchester City
Kylian Mbappe is set to start the game for PSG on Matchday 2 of the UEFA Champions League and should be able to cause Manchester City a lot of problems on the night.
The Frenchman has not scored in his last four games, but Mbappe is still one of PSG's most effective players going forward. The forward is likely to start on the right wing in the absence of Angel Di Maria and potentially Lionel Messi, and will come up against Manchester City's Joao Cancelo.
The Portuguese full-back is not particularly known for his defensive prowess, which should allow Mbappe to cause havoc down the right flank.
#3 Manchester City dominate the midfield
It is no secret that Manchester City have one of the best midfields in world football, and that should come to the fore in their UEFA Champions League clash against PSG.
Pep Guardiola has an embarrassment of riches in midfield, with the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish, Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan, Rodri and Fernandinho all being able to start against PSG.
The French club, on the other hand, will be missing the likes of Marco Verratti and Angel Di Maria, who have become integral players over the years. This should allow Manchester City to dominate possession and easily overrun PSG's midfield during the game.
The likes of Ander Herrera, Leandro Paredes and Idrissa Gueye do not hold a candle to any of Manchester City's midfielders and that should be quite obvious during the game.
#2 Gabriel Jesus steps up once again for Manchester City
Gabriel Jesus has been one of Manchester City's most important players this season. The Brazilian has been primarily deployed on the wing by Pep Guardiola and has completely transformed his style of play.
Jesus already has three goals and three assists across all competitions for Manchester City this season and will be looking to add to his tally against PSG. The Brazilian will be buoyed by his winner against Chelsea at the weekend and will hope to take that momentum into the game.
He should be able to expose PSG left-back Abdou Diallo with his pace, movement and ability on the ball and will be a key player for Manchester City on the night.
#1 Manchester City outclass PSG
Despite both teams being on similar runs of form, Manchester City are the favorites to win their UEFA Champions League clash against PSG and should not have any problems doing so.
Pep Guardiola has historically got the better of Mauricio Pochettino on multiple occasions and that should be the case once again. Manchester City have been unstoppable of late and should be able to overwhelm PSG with their dynamism and directness.
The only way PSG can come away with a win is if Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe or Neymar can produce some magic on the night. Otherwise, it is likely that Manchester City will blow away the French side and take a commanding lead at the top of Group A.
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