Manchester City host PSG at the Etihad Stadium in the second leg of the Champions League quarter finals as they look to hold on to their advantage and qualify for the semi finals.
History beckons Manuel Pellegrini’s men as they look to qualify for their first ever Champions League semi final. City have the advantage in the tie with 2 away goals to their name and nothing but a high scoring draw or a win will suffice for PSG to qualify. With stars like Cavani, Ibrahimovic and Angel Di Maria in their ranks, the French club have a world class attack, but their defensive frailties might prove to be their undoing.
Domestic Form
Manchester City
Going into this game, Manchester City beat West Brom 2-1 on Saturday. It was a a scrappy, hard fought result which needed them to come back from a goal down against the Baggies. This victory keeps City in contention for a Champions League place next season, having given up on their hopes the title a long time ago.
Paris Saint Germain
PSG had the luxury of resting its key players for this upcoming Champions League tie by playing an essentially second string side over their 2-0 victory against lowly Guingamp. There were nine changes made for the game by Laurent Blanc as he looked to keep the focus on City.
Possible Lineups
Manchester City
Kompany and Sterling are out of this match. Otamendi and Silva are doubtful as both have ankle injuries but are available for selection if deemed fit.
Possible Starting XI (4-3-3): Hart; Clichy, Sagna, Mangala, Otamendi; Fernando, Fernandinho, Yaya Toure, Silva, De Bruyne, Aguero
Paris Saint Germain
Blaise Matuidi and David Luiz, are both out due to suspension. Marco Verratti has returned for PSG and Javier Pastore is still injured.
Possible Starting XI (4-3-3): Kevin Trapp; Silva, Marquinhos, Aurier, Maxwell; Lucas, Veratti, Motta,Di Maria, Cavani, Ibrahimovic
Key Statistics
- Both previous encounters between City and Paris Saint-Germain ended in draws: 0-0 in 2008 and 2-2 last week.
- The last 3 Champions League knockout games between clubs from the Ligue 1 and Premier League clubs have seen the English sides eliminated.
- Manchester City have kept 1 clean sheet in 9 Champions League games this season, the lowest among the quarter-finalists.
- PSG have won only one of their seven away games against English opposition.
- Zlatan Ibrahimovic has scored in each of his last five Champions League games.
Prediction
Manchester City 2 – 1 PSG
City will be boosted by their performance at the Parc De Princes and look to build on it. The injures to PSG will most likely cost them the tie with key players like Trapp and Veratti not completely fit. Matuidi and Luiz’s suspensions do not help their cause.
Odds (Bet365)
- 7/4 Manchester City to Win
- 5/2 for a Draw
- 7/5 PSG to Win
