Introduction
Champions League nights are back with exciting action again this week. The last week came as a feature film as the clash of PSG and Manchester City at Paris had a dramatic ending. Last time out Manchester City, despite looking shaky in the first after missing few initial changes. PSG taking advantage of the set-piece opened the scoring. Yet, the second half turned out to no less than a strong display of power and tactics. Kevin De Bruyne like usual stood out to be the difference in the second half. PSG’s star Neymar posed some threats in the beginning but couldn’t manage to find the back of the net. However, Marquinhos stood up again for the French side for another big game.
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What to expect from the second league at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday
The second is expected to bring some exciting action as the PSG to stay alive in the competition needs at least 2 goals. Though with City’s improved Defense this season it seems like a difficult task for Mauricio Pochettino’s star-packed attack to find the back of Manchester’s Net. PSG has a lot of work to do in their visit to Manchester as this also has to stop the soon-to-be English champions from scoring. Winning the match with one goal advantage should favor the side to reach the final. Manchester City has a 2 away goal advantage in the game can afford to lose the game with one goal and reaching the semi-finals for the first time in the Club’s history.
This should not stop Pep Guardiola’s side from scoring goals at their home ground. Turning this to their favor City has currently been in an exciting and promising form. Another win in the Premier League will confirm the side winning the league keeping a few games in hand. Whereas the title race in France’s League 1 is exciting with PSG trailing at 2nd position to Lille with a single. This decisive max to gain European Glory for both the clubs for the first time in the club’s history will be crucial.
The stakes are high for both sides!
Both the sides have proven themselves better in every Champions League game this season. PSG’s deadly attack has a chance to make it to the finals 2 times in a row. Along with the league heating up the chance can go either way.
On the other hand, Manchester City is looking forward to winning the treble for the first time in the club’s history and seeking European glory as well. The stakes for both sides are higher than ever.
The clash of excellent managers
Mauricio Pochettino was sacked by Tottenham Hotspurs before taking up the job for PSG. The manager’s mid-season debut has kept them alive in both the competition yet it requires more from French Side. Whereas, Pep Guardiola hasn’t won a champion other than with FC Barcelona. The Spanish manager has not witnessed the Champions league final night since 2011. The manager is looking to silence the critic with his 10 yearlong draughts with the English side this season. However, the Spaniard always brings something special up his sleeves and it looks like that had damaged his German and English sides prior. With very few injuries this season will Pep Guardiola will be able to take the English side for their first-ever champions league final will be a treat to watch.
Injuries and Suspensions and Predicted Lineup
Manchester City is lucky this season as there are no injuries in the current squad. Also, there are no players on the City’s side who have picked up any suspensions for their clash against PSG. However, PSG has a worrying thought of not playing Kylian Mbappe, as the striker has picked up a calf injury in the league after the 1st leg. Apart from that their major player Idrissa Gueye will miss the match as he was sent off in the first leg.
Manchester City’s expected Line up: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Cancelo; Bernardo, Rodri, Gundogan, Mahrez, De Bruyne, Foden.
PSG’s predicted Line up: Navas, Florenzi, Marquinhos, Kimpembe, Bakker, Paredes, Verratti, Draxler, Di Maria, Mbappe, Neymar.
Players to watch
Manchester City
Kevin De Bruyne arguably the best midfielder in the world is always a treat to watch for football lovers. Along with him the youngster Phil Foden who despite missing a few convertible changes in the first leg would be a treat to watch. However, if the English side chooses to go with Gabriel Jesus looking for goals then the youngster might not start for the return league. Ruben Dias and his partner John Stones have showcased some of the most amazing defenses earlier this season.
PSG
PSG can prove to be lethal and with such start packed attack it is expected that the side’s Neymar Jr. can prove to be the game-changer. The Brazilian has stepped up for both FC Barcelona numerous times and has done the same for PSG. Another younger who is Adam’s apple for world football is Kylian Mbappe. The youngster has stepped up many times for the French side and his National Team much time. Despite having a silent 1st leg it the youngster is not to be taken lightly as he can prove deadly if allowed to attack. The Chilean goalkeeper Keylon Navas would make it difficult more the city’s attacker to score.
Conclusion
Pep Guardiola is on the quest of winning the champions league again and for the first time with another club. On the other side, PSG does not want to quit but will have a job today tonight. It does not matter who wins the game a good footballing action, expected to be filled with goals. The expectations are high for both sides and the game would be a treat to watch. The game is going to be difficult and goals are expected. However, it would be fun to see who is about to make history as it is sure one of either side is set to make history tonight!
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