Tuesday 12th April 2016 Kickoff 1945hrs
Manchester City v PSG
Football – Champions League – Europe
The first leg between these two clubs was probably the most entertaining of all four quarter-finals played last week and there’s plenty of reason to hope for the same as both Manchester City and PSG look to qualify for the last four for the first time in their history. Courtesy of the two away goals that City managed in Paris last Wednesday, they come into the return as slight favourites to progress but this should be another tight contest and it could go down to the wire.
Considering the inconsistencies that have plagued Man City this season, particularly in the league, their performance last week – in a high pressure situation when it really mattered – was a touch surprising. Credit must go to Manuel Pellegrini and his players who have come in for a lot of criticism over the last couple of seasons, but they went some way to answering those critics with arguably their best result of the whole campaign. Goals from Kevin De Bruyne and Fernandinho have given City a great chance of progressing but the manager will be making it known to the squad that the job is only half done and they must be able to play at a similar level if they are to finish it off. Pellegrini will take a lot of heart from the fact that his team were not only a threat from the off in the Parc des Princes, but also because they showed a lot of character to come back from 2-1 down in the second half and grab a equaliser. Both of the goals that they conceded were easily preventable, however, and could be put down to a lack of concentration. That will be something that has to improve if they are to take their place in the semi-final draw.
The first leg proved to be a frustrating night for Laurent Blanc’s men who had went into the game as a big favourite to take a lead with them to Manchester. A rare missed penalty from talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic early on in proceedings set the tone for the evening and despite dominating for large spells, were unable to secure a vital lead. In some ways, it was similar to how they performed against Chelsea at home in the last round in that they created more chances and looked to have the beating of their opponent but seemingly unable to close the game out and looked vulnerable in defence. It will be a concern for Blanc but he knows how capable this squad is and they showed just that in the return leg at Stamford Bridge, which will be the aim if they are to continue their quest for success in this year’s Champions League. This, of course, is the stage where the Parisians have been knocked out in each of the last three seasons and a repeat of that would represent something of a failure and could spell the end of this current coaching regime.
City’s defence also looked suspect last week but that is nothing new and has been a severe hindrance all season long. The absence of Vincent Kompany continues to have a huge impact on their backline. Not only is the Belgian their best centre half, but he’s also the communicator at the back and that was an issue for them throughout last week’s game, none more so than when Joe Hart and Fernando got into an embarrassing mix-up for PSG’s first goal. Those types of errors are something that should not be seen at this stage of Europe’s premier competition, but it’s in-keeping with City’s performance in Europe this term. It’s now just one clean sheet in their nine Champions League games this season which, although a testament to how good they are in attack to be able to, is also a massive handicap and will become even more so the deeper they go.
PSG have their own personnel concerns as both Blaise Matuidi and David Luiz are missing through suspension having picked up bookings last week. Marquinhos will come into the centre of defence and could actually be an improvement on Luiz in this sort of atmosphere, especially up against somebody like Sergio Aguero, but it’s Matuidi who will be the biggest miss as his energy and drive from the middle of the park is a massive strength of PSG’s entire game. Marco Verratti missed last week because of injury and is doubtful ahead of this one as well which would be a severe blow. As good as Thiago Motta is in possession, he does not have the legs and there is no other direct replacement to compensate for the absence of the dynamic midfield duo.
Manchester City v PSG Betting Tips
There was a lot of discussion around the quality of last week’s game which is hardly surprising considering the number of errors and mistakes that were apparent throughout the 90 minutes. That made for it to be entertaining, though, and I for one hope we are in for a similar game. Too often games at this late stage of the Champions League turn out to be dull as the pressure of the situation becomes too much and teams resort to keeping things tight at the back. Man City and PSG – for all their combined wealth – are inexperienced at this level so it’s not overly surprising that they may not be as refined or sophisticated as the elite teams, just yet.
In typical Ibrahimovic fashion, the Swedish striker has stoked the fires ahead of the second leg by declaring that he would be interested in signing for City’s rivals, United, when his contract comes to an end this summer. He is likely to have a big say once again and will be looking to atone for his missed penalty. With five goals in his last six Champions League games he is in excellent form in Europe and can take advantage of what is obviously a struggling City defence. I was initially looking to put up the visitors as the selection but I am concerned about their absentees in the middle of the park which could hand the initiative to City. It’s a game that screams chances and goals so instead of backing either team, side with the excellent Ibrahimovic to continue his good form in the competition by notching anytime.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic to score during the 90 minutes 6/5 @ Coral
