Crucial Clash as PSG and Man City Battle for Champions League Survival
Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City face off in a pivotal UEFA Champions League group stage match at Parc des Princes on Wednesday. Both teams are in danger of elimination from the tournament due to disappointing recent form.
PSG, despite their Ligue 1 dominance, sit outside the top 24 in the UEFA rankings. They need at least four points from their remaining matches against City and Stuttgart to progress to the playoffs. A loss to City would leave their fate in the balance ahead of their trip to Germany.
City, meanwhile, have lost consecutive UCL matches for the first time since 2011-12. They currently occupy a playoff spot, but a win against PSG could jeopardize that position as they are only one point ahead of the French champions.
Team News and Possible Lineups
PSG: Marquinhos and Achraf Hakimi are doubtful, while Ousmane Dembele is expected to return to the starting lineup. Kylian Mbappe is suspended, meaning Goncalo Ramos or Desire Doue could start up front.
Possible PSG XI: Donnarumma; Hakimi, Pacho, Hernandez, Nuno Mendes; Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz; Dembele, Doue, Barcola.
City: Nathan Ake and John Stones are out, so Manuel Akanji and Ruben Dias are likely to start in defense. Rodri is the only long-term injury concern, with Oscar Bobb now back in training.
Possible City XI: Ederson; Lewis, Ruben Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol; Bernardo Silva, Kovacic, De Bruyne; Foden, Haaland, Savinho.
Prediction
This is a must-win game for PSG, as a draw may not be enough to secure their place in the playoffs. City, on the other hand, can afford to approach the match with a more cautious mindset as they have a slight advantage in the standings.
However, PSG have a strong home record and will be buoyed by the return of Dembele. We predict a narrow victory for the hosts, with the match likely to be decided by a moment of brilliance from Lionel Messi or Neymar.
Prediction: PSG 2-1 City.
Wednesday's Champions League Schedule
Wednesday, January 22nd
12 p.m.: RB Leipzig vs. Sporting Lisbon, Shakhtar Donetsk vs. Brest
2 p.m.: The Golazo Show
3 p.m.: Sparta Praha vs. Inter, Feyenoord vs. Bayern Munich, Arsenal vs. Dinamo Zagreb, AC Milan vs. Girona, Paris Saint-Germain vs. Manchester City, Real Madrid vs. RB Salzburg, Celtic vs. Young Boys
5 p.m.: UEFA Champions League Today post-match
7 p.m.: The Champions Club
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