Two of the richest and state-backed clubs are all set to clash in the semifinal of the UEFA Champions League. Manchester City travels to France to face Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final on Wednesday.
After not making it to the final of the Champions League since 2011, Pep Guardiola will be looking to gain an advantage in the first leg against PSG. Meanwhile, last year’s runners-up will be looking to reach the finals for the second time in a row. City qualified for semi-final by beating Borussia Dortmund 4-2 on aggregate, while PSG knocked out defending champions Bayern Munich in previous round.
Manchester City looks like a more complete side as they come into the game after winning the Carabao Cup final against Tottenham Hotspurs. They will start as favourites but PSG boasts two of the best players in the world. Man City had got the better of PSG in the last CL knockout clash in 2015, so there is a lot to ride on this game for the French club.
Team News
Manchester City will have a complete squad available for the first leg against PSG. Kevin De Bruyne was a doubt for this game, but he recovered last week to play against Manchester City in the final.
PSG will hope that Kylian Mbappe is completely fit for this game. The French forward was substituted during the win against Metz last weekend due to injury. Juan Bernat will not be a part of the squad since he is recovering from a cruciate ligament injury. Marquinhos and Abdou Diallo are facing a race against time to play a part in the first leg.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester City: Ederson, Walker, Stones, Dias, Cancelo, Rodri, Gundogan, Kevin de Bruyne, Foden, Sterling, Mahrez
Paris Saint Germain:Â Navas, Florenzi, Danilo ,Kimpembe, Kurzawa, Verratti, Gueye, Parades, Di Maria, Neymar, Mbappe
Score Prediction
PSG 1-2 Manchester City
PSG will more or less play the same way they played against Bayern Munich which worked for them against a depleted Bayern squad. However, defending 90 minutes against Man City is going to be taxing and they will eventually concede goals.