PSG vs Man City | Who To Bet On | Betcentral

Man City host PSG at the Etihad Stadium in the . The hosts top the group despite losing the reverse fixture 2-0 in Paris. The visitors need a victory to regain first place in the group. City is scoring goals for fun in the competition this season whilst PSG has been looking leaky defensively. There is plenty of talk over the future of coach Mauricio Pochettino and this could potentially even be his final match in charge.

Man City Form

After losing 2-0 at PSG in September, City has largely been in very strong form. They won 5-1 and 4-1 against Club Brugge on matchdays 3 and 4. Their six matches since then in the Premier League have brought four wins, a 2-2 draw after trailing twice at Liverpool and a 2-0 defeat at home to Crystal Palace.

Their last two results saw a 2-0 win at Old Trafford in the Manchester derby and a 3-0 home win against Everton. Raheem Sterling, Rodri, and Bernardo Silva scored the goals.

Man City Team News

City is without winger Ferran Torres due to a long-term injury. Kevin de Bruyne is absent due to COVID-19 in midfield. Jack Grealish got a knock on international duty but should return to the squad for this match.

Ruben Dias is expected to return to the XI at center back. Either Gabriel Jesus or Riyad Mahrez will replace youngster Cole Palmer in attack for this big match.

Man City Motivation

After a strong performance despite a loss in the reverse fixture, City will be very eager to win this match and get some revenge. A draw would keep Guardiola’s team on top of the group and just needing to win away at RB Leipzig on matchday 6 to top the group.

The city will look to dominate the match but will be very careful to guard against PSG’s counterattack. They could leave five men back in rest defence to cover breaks.

PSG Form

After beating City 2-0 at home, PSG lost 2-0 away to Rennes. A seven-match unbeaten run has followed with five wins and two draws. Matchday 3 of the Champions League saw a 3-2 home win against RB Leipzig as Lionel Messi scored twice to turn a 2-1 deficit into a victory.

Matchday 4 saw a 2-2 draw in Germany against the same opposition, meaning PSG lost the top spot in the group. Their last two results were a 3-2 win at Bordeaux (having led 3-0) and a 3-1 home win against Nantes. PSG’s famous front three scored five of the six goals.

PSG Team News

Gianluigi Donnarumma should return in goal after illness ruled him out against Nantes. Thilo Kehrer could start at center back due to Presnel Kimpembe’s injury for Mauricio Pochettino.

Central defender Sergio Ramos is set to play his first match in over six months after training in recent weeks but he is not likely to start.

PSG Motivation

PSG needs to win this match to try to top the group and avoid the likes of Bayern Munich in the round of 16. This is also a massive match for the players and the club’s ownership. Motivation will be very high.

As in the first match, PSG will defend with seven players and leave their front three camped on the halfway line. They had no problem allowing City to have the ball in the first match and are expected to do the same.

Key Stats

City have won their last 2 home matches against PSG (1-0 and 2-0)

Man City have scored 15 goals in the CL this season

City is averaging 3.40 xG per match in the CL this season

PSG have 3 away matches without a win in UCL (D2, L1)

PSG have conceded 6 goals in their last 4 matches

Verdict

City played very well in Paris and looks like an all-around better functioning team. They should win at home and secure the top spot in the group with a match to play. Both sides are expected to score with the firepower at their disposal.