UEFA Champions League 2024/25: PSG vs Manchester City – Preview, Prediction and Where to Watch the Match Live?

Here’s a preview and prediction for Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League clash at the Parc des Princes as PSG take on Man City. Will either team secure a crucial victory to boost their chances of advancing?

PSG vs Manchester City: Match Preview

Heading into this round of fixtures, Paris Saint-Germain sit precariously outside the play-off spots in 25th place, with Manchester City just one point ahead in 22nd. The stakes could rise further following Tuesday’s matches, adding more intensity to this encounter.

The last time Manchester City featured in the Champions League, they were mired in their worst form under Pep Guardiola. A 2-0 defeat to Juventus extended their winless streak in the competition to three games, highlighting their struggles.

City have also lost their last two away games in the Champions League, just one fewer than their previous 28 away outings combined (16 wins, 9 draws, 3 losses). Only once have they endured a longer losing streak in Europe, dropping four consecutive away matches between November 2011 and December 2012 under Roberto Mancini—a dubious record Guardiola will be keen to avoid repeating.

City’s challenges have largely stemmed from the absence of Rodri, their influential midfielder. Since the 2019-20 season, the team has lost just three of 49 Champions League games with the Spaniard in the lineup (6%, 35 wins, 11 draws). However, without him, their win percentage drops significantly, with four defeats in 14 matches (29%, 7 wins, 3 draws).

Despite these setbacks, City appear to have rediscovered their rhythm, going unbeaten in their last six matches across all competitions, including a dominant 6-0 victory over Ipswich Town in the Premier League.

Standing in their way are PSG, who are in even greater need of a positive result. Luis Enrique’s team enters this match fresh from a morale-boosting 3-0 win over Salzburg on Matchday 6, a game in which they recorded as many wins and goals as they had managed across their previous seven Champions League outings (1 win, 2 draws, 4 losses).

PSG, however, have not won consecutive games in the competition since February of last year, when they triumphed against Real Sociedad. Their home form adds to their concerns, with three defeats in their last five Champions League games at the Parc des Princes (1 win, 1 draw)—as many losses as in their previous 17 home games combined (11 wins, 3 draws). Additionally, Luis Enrique holds the unenviable distinction of being the only PSG manager to lose three matches in the competition during his tenure.

The hosts enter Wednesday’s clash on a strong 10-match unbeaten run across all competitions. With so much at stake, both teams will be fully committed to chasing a victory.

Erling Haaland is set to spearhead Manchester City’s attack once again, having rediscovered his scoring touch. The Norwegian striker has netted four goals in his last four appearances after enduring a brief four-game drought. His overall Champions League record is staggering, with 46 goals in 45 games and an unparalleled minutes-per-goal ratio of 78 among players with 15+ goals in the competition.

Phil Foden has also been in electric form for City, scoring five times in his last four outings. This includes back-to-back braces against Brentford and Ipswich in recent matches, further solidifying his importance in attack.

For PSG, Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembélé have been their standout threats this season, with both players contributing to 16 goals across all competitions. Barcola (12 goals) recently surpassed Dembélé (11 goals) as PSG’s top scorer, thanks to his decisive strike in their 2-1 Ligue 1 win over Lens over the weekend.

However, PSG’s new signing, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, will be unavailable for this fixture, as only players registered before the start of this Champions League season are eligible to feature in the group phase.

PSG vs Manchester City: Head-to-Head

PSG have managed just one win in seven meetings with Manchester City in European competition (D2, L4), giving them their lowest win percentage (14%) against any team they’ve faced more than five times in Europe.

However, PSG did secure victory in their most recent home match against City in the Champions League, despite registering only six shots in the game—a 2-0 triumph in September 2021. Notably, this remains the fewest shots PSG have ever attempted in a home Champions League match since records began in 2003-04.

This encounter marks the fifth Champions League meeting between Luis Enrique and Pep Guardiola, with both managers claiming two wins each. Interestingly, Luis Enrique joins Jürgen Klopp as one of only two managers to have defeated Guardiola by three or more goals on multiple occasions—achieving this with Barcelona in a 3-0 win in May 2015 and a 4-0 victory in October 2016.

PSG vs Manchester City: Team News and Predicted Lineups

PSG – Team News

PSG face fitness concerns over defensive duo Marquinhos and Achraf Hakimi, both of whom have been sidelined throughout January. Meanwhile, Ousmane Dembélé, who missed the last two games due to illness, is expected to return to action.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has officially joined PSG from Napoli, but the club cannot register him for European competition until after the league phase concludes. However, the Georgian faces stiff competition to break into the lineup, with the in-form Bradley Barcola currently excelling.

Ibrahim Mbaye remains sidelined due to an ankle sprain, while Marquinhos has returned to training after recovering from a recent groin strain.

Luis Enrique also has a key decision to make in attack, where big-money signings Gonçalo Ramos and Désiré Doué are vying for a starting spot, with the former likely to get the nod.

PSG – Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)

• Goalkeeper: Donnarumma
• Defenders: Hakimi, Pacho, Hernandez, Nuno Mendes
• Midfielders: Joao Neves, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz
• Forwards: Ramos, Lee Kang-in, Barcola

Manchester City – Team News

Manchester City’s injury concerns are easing, with Nathan Ake and Oscar Bobb nearing their return, leaving Rodri as the only first-team player unavailable. However, new signings Vitor Reis, Abdukodir Khusanov, and incoming addition Omar Marmoush are ineligible for the League Phase.

This likely means the defense will remain unchanged from the Portman Road lineup, though Rico Lewis could be introduced. In midfield, Ilkay Gundogan might be partnered with Bernardo Silva, who was rested over the weekend.

Savinho is expected to join the attack after also staying on the bench last time out, while Kovacic, Kevin De Bruyne, and Erling Haaland are virtually undroppable.

Manchester City – Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)

• Goalkeeper: Ederson
• Defenders: Lewis, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol
• Midfielders: Gundogan, Kovacic, De Bruyne
• Forwards: Bernardo, Haaland, Savinho

PSG vs Manchester City: Match Prediction

When Manchester City find their rhythm, they become a formidable force capable of overcoming any opponent. They have a reputation for delivering under pressure and will back themselves to virtually secure a playoff spot this week with a game to spare.

However, PSG won’t be an easy challenge, despite their position in 25th. Their impressive eight-game winning streak highlights their resilience, but none of their recent opponents have matched the caliber of a side like City.

Prediction: PSG 1-2 Manchester City

When and Where to Watch PSG vs Manchester City Match? Broadcast and Streaming Details

The UEFA Champions League 2024-25 match between PSG and Manchester City will take place at Parc des Princes in Paris, France. The match is set for January 23 at 1:30 am IST. It will be broadcast live on the Sony Network and can be streamed online via Sony LIV.

Read More: Copa del Rey Quarterfinals Draw: Barcelona to Clash with Valencia, Real Madrid to Face Leganes

FAQs