Manchester City prepare for their first ever Champions League quarter-final as they visit French champions Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday. The two clubs are somewhat similar as both have been pushed to the top of European football by vast amounts of money coming from the Middle East. The only previous meeting between them was in the 2008-2009 edition of the UEFA Cup, back then the match ended goalless. PSG have not lost any of their last four meetings against Premier League sides (all those four matches were against Chelsea).
PSG have established themselves in the European elite as they reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the fourth consecutive season. They have gone past this stage just twice though, and got knocked out on all the last three occasions. Their most recent presence in the semi-finals was back in 1995. Laurent Blanc's men have cruised to another Ligue 1 title, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic has bagged an impressive 30 league goals so far this season. Marco Verratti will miss out due to a groin injury, but all the other stars are available.
Manchester City have been hoping for this since 2008, when the cash started flowing in at the Etihad Stadium: a place in the high stages of the Champions League. The ultimate goal is getting the trophy, but that might have to wait until after Pep Guardiola takes charge next summer. Manuel Pellegrini has tried to make his last season with City a memorable one but so far he has failed as the Premier League title has slipped away and a Champions League finish might also prove tricky. Joe Hart could make his return, but several key players remain out of contention: Raheem Sterling, Fabian Delph and Vincent Kompany. Yaya Toure will face a late fitness test due to a heel issue.
Probable line-ups:
PSG: Trapp - Marquinhos, Silva, Luiz, Maxwell - Rabiot, Motta, Matuidi - Lucas, Ibrahimovic, Di Maria
Man City: Hart - Sagna, Otamendi, Mangala, Clichy - Fernando, Fernandinho, Navas, Silva, De Bruyne - Aguero
My prediction: PSG to win 3-1.
Here are the odds for the match at Bet365:
PSG win - 1.73 Draw - 4.00 Man City win - 5.00
sharpe
8 years ago
Great result for City after that first game, they have a really nice chance to qualify but of course the second game would be no less harder. I have a feeling all season long that this would be the tournament when City will make their breakthrough after so many years of failures in European tournaments. They suck in the...
Great result for City after that first game, they have a really nice chance to qualify but of course the second game would be no less harder. I have a feeling all season long that this would be the tournament when City will make their breakthrough after so many years of failures in European tournaments. They suck in the PL too so this is really the last chance for something huge this season.
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Alexa Alexa 8 years ago
When you see final score 2-2 ,you think that it was great match,but this cant be said for this clash.It was really entertaining,but there was too much mistakes. Citizens have good result ,but it wont be easy fr them to qualify.PSG is great team and I expect them to pass this test,with 1-3 defeat at Etihad.
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jakablazic 8 years ago
This one could be tricky one for PSG. They are playing exceptionally well this season but City is a bit underrated here. They have a bunch of solid players. PSG is resting players last few games and preparing for this one, but that can be contraproductive because players are a bit out of rythm. We'll see, I predict something...
This one could be tricky one for PSG. They are playing exceptionally well this season but City is a bit underrated here. They have a bunch of solid players. PSG is resting players last few games and preparing for this one, but that can be contraproductive because players are a bit out of rythm. We'll see, I predict something like 2-1 for PSG.
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milo?.sekuli?
8 years ago
The first time I'll cheer for PSG. I dont like City, their philosophy and way of play. They played a disgusting and boring football against Dynamo Kiev. Totally without ambition. On the other hand PSG looking strong, and I have no doubt in the victory tonight. I agree with your prediction.
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advoghado
8 years ago
I think this first game the PSG will not miss out on the chance to make a good score against Man City. In my opinion the victory is very likely, only a disaster can take the victory, the phase of Man City is not the best as the French team dominates in the French Championship and will play quiet and offensively in their...
I think this first game the PSG will not miss out on the chance to make a good score against Man City. In my opinion the victory is very likely, only a disaster can take the victory, the phase of Man City is not the best as the French team dominates in the French Championship and will play quiet and offensively in their stadium this game UCL, no pressure.
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