Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, entered this season's UEFA Champions League with high hopes and ambitions. However, the newly introduced format has led to unexpected challenges, putting both teams in a precarious position as they fight to maintain their status in the competition ahead of the penultimate round of the league phase. The two clubs are set to face off on Wednesday, with the match broadcast live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Both teams have struggled to find their footing in European competitions this season, and with only two matchdays remaining in the league stage, they find themselves engaged in a fierce battle for advancement to the knockout rounds.
Team News:
Paris Saint-Germain:
- Marquinhos (Defender): Suffered a groin injury and is considered a doubt for the match, with an estimated return date of January 22.
- Ousmane Dembélé (Forward): Dealing with an illness, also a doubt for the match, expected to return on January 22.
- Ibrahim Mbaye (Forward/Midfielder): Out due to an ankle injury, with a projected return on January 29.
Manchester City:
- Oscar Bobb (Forward/Midfielder): Out with a leg injury, expected to return on January 25.
- Rodri (Midfielder): Out with a knee injury, with a return date set for July 1.
- John Stones (Defender): Out due to a foot injury, with an estimated return by January 22.
Manchester City will be making the trip to Parc des Princes to face PSG in the league phase of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, January 22. The match is scheduled to kick off at 20:00 UK time, with live coverage starting at 19:00 on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate.
Match Prediction:
Paris Saint-Germain recently secured a fourth consecutive win across all competitions with a 2-1 triumph over Lens on Saturday night, maintaining their unbeaten record in Ligue 1. Nonetheless, Luis Enrique's squad has experienced more losses than victories in Europe this season, making this match of utmost importance.
On the other hand, Manchester City returned to form impressively, demolishing Ipswich 6-0 on Sunday afternoon. Like PSG, the Premier League champions currently occupy a playoff spot in the UEFA Champions League and must win both remaining fixtures to have any chance of finishing in the top eight.
Additional Team Insights:
Paris Saint-Germain: PSG will be unable to register their new signing, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, until the knockout stages begin. Marquinhos and Achraf Hakimi will undergo fitness checks prior to kick-off, while Ousmane Dembélé may be available following his recovery from illness. Coach Luis Enrique faces a decision between starting Goncalo Ramos or Desire Doue in the attacking lineup.
Manchester City: Pep Guardiola is likely to be cautious with Nathan Ake and John Stones, preferring to keep them sidelined for this match. Therefore, Manuel Akanji and Ruben Dias are expected to continue as the central defensive pairing. Similarly, Omar Marmoush and Abdukodir Khusanov will be ineligible to participate in City’s final two league phase matches. Rodri remains out due to injury, while Oscar Bobb’s participation is uncertain despite his return to full training.
Zainab Y.
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