The second semifinal in the Champions League will be the clash of two richest teams in Europe, PSG and Manchester City. What’s more, Pep Guardiola is facing off one of the trickiest figures in his coaching career, Mauricio Pocchettino. The Argentine has been familiar and experienced in defeating his Spanish contender back in his Espanyol and Spurs days. It is certainly one of the most anticipated game this season.
The teams’ previous games
Le Parisien kept on pressing Lille on the top after snatching a 3-1 win over Metz last weekend on the road. Kylian Mbappe’s brace and Mauro Icardi’s penalty could only be responded once by Centoze’s goal.
Meanwhile, Kevin de Bruyne and Co secured their first title of the season after thumping Tottenham 1-0 in Carabao Cup final on the weekend. They were almost frustrated by Hugo Lloris’s impressive form between the stick before finally Aymeric Laporte’s header found the back of the net. It is their fourth consecutive Carabao titles in the last four games.
Mauricio Poccettino might still be opting for 4-3-3 formation with the transition to 4-2-3-1. Kylian Mbappe is still featuring the frontman, supported by Neymar and Pablo Sarabia on both wings. What concerns the Argentine boss more is the absence of Marquinhos, plus Abdou Diallo, Juan Bernat and Rafinha, which would be a blow at their defence. Danilo Perreira is the only option to deputise the Brasilian defender.
Pep Guardiola is unlikely to change his 4-3-3 formation with a false nine since Gabi Jesus is no longer the main forward upfront. Bernardo Silva should get a nod for playing this role with Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez or Raheem Sterling on both sides. However, the Brasilian strike might be brought on at the second half to break the deadlock.
Players to watch
The boy wonder Kylian Mbappe has been superb this season with 33 goals and 10 seasons in League 1 and UCL. Some other key figures to watch are the Brasilian superstar Neymar contributing 12 goals and five assists and the Italian youngster Moise Kean.
Meanwhile, Manchester City has several names who have been given the false nine role but Phil Foden seems to do it better and more consistent too. The English youngster has scored ten goals and provided twelve assists in EPL and UCL. Some other notable names to focus on are the top assists provider and top scorer, the captain Kevin de Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan.
PSG vs Manchester City Prediction
Neymar and Co are aiming for their consecutive Champions League final after the failure last season. Yet, this is not an easy game as Guardiola’s men shall come back strong after winning the Carabao Cup. A tight affair as such will end in a stalemate.
Betting odds
The punters apparently backs The Citizens as the favourite with the odds to win at 6/5, whereas PSG’s win market is at 12/5. The draw result is at the value of 37/13.
