Manchester City aim to take a huge step towards the knockout rounds of the Champions League on Wednesday night when they visit Paris Saint-Germain.
Having failed to win any of their three previous matches in the Champions League, the winners from the 2022/23 season. they are in the lower half of the league table. Taking just eight points from six European ventures, City are yet to confirm their place in the knockout stages of the competition, but a win in the French capital would at least strengthen their position in the table.
Triumph against PSG will not be easy for Pep Guardiola’s side, even if four wins from their last five in all competitions have lifted spirits for the trip to the Parc des Princes. The Ligue 1 leaders have won their last eight matches and are fighting tooth and nail for a place in the knockout stages of the Champions League after being left alone on the continent.
Here’s how Man City could line up for a key meeting.
GK: Ederson – Injuries and questionable form have seen Ederson’s starting spot threatened by Stefan Ortega over the past month. However, the Brazilian started against Ipswich Town at the weekend and could earn another nod on Wednesday.
RB: Rico Lewis – With Kyle Walker expected to swap Manchester for Milan this month, Lewis is the club’s only recognized right-back option. He could return to the XI after three games without a start, although he faces competition for his place in midfielder Matheus Nunes.
CB: Manuel Akanji – With Nathan Ake and John Stones missing through injury, Akanji’s place in the line-up is now undisputed, but City new reinforcements in defense it should provide him with much-needed rest over the coming months.
CB: Ruben Dias – The Portuguese is key to City’s feeble defense getting back on track, and his long-awaited return from injury in 6-0 win over Ipswich for the weekend.
LB: Josko Guardiol – The harsh spotlight has been aimed squarely at Guardiola for much of the season following a period full of mistakes, but Guardiola still favors the Croatian at left-back with few other options in that role.
CM: Bernardo Silva – Silva enjoyed an afternoon off against Ipswich and Guardiola may have one eye on the trip to Paris. The Portuguese scored goals for City so often in Champions League and will be looking to secure another one on Wednesday.
CM: Mateo Kovačić – A sumptuous low strike capped off a hugely impressive performance against the Tractor Boys in which Kovacic also provided a superb assist for James McAtee. He remains City’s best Rodrigo impersonator.
CM: Kevin De Bruyne – Having been surprisingly subdued since returning from injury, De Bruyne showed flashes of his genius against Ipswich. He managed two assists and occupied several tempting positions at Ipswich.
RW: Phil Foden – Foden’s slow start to the season appears to be well and truly over. He has made braces in consecutive Premier League games and is approaching his overwhelming best results.
ST: Erling Haaland – The show wasn’t focused on Haaland at the weekend, but he got into the action anyway with a typically composed finish from close range. He has a history with PSG during his days at Borussia Dortmund.
LW: Savinho – Jeremy Doku starred in the win at Portman Road, but Savinho has been equally devastating in recent weeks and could return to the XI. City return to their glorious best in the final third, and the Brazilian was key in that renaissance.
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