PSG vs Manchester City Pick and Preview – Jan 22, 2025

Paris Saint-Germain host Manchester City at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night in what promises to be one of the most pivotal matches of the Champions League new league phase. Both European heavyweights find themselves in uncharacteristically precarious positions after underwhelming starts to their campaigns.

PSG: Turning Momentum Into Results

Despite earning a crucial 3-0 win against Red Bull Salzburg on matchday six, PSG remain just outside the top 24, sitting in 25th place with seven points. That victory matched the number of wins and goals scored across their previous seven Champions League matches combined (including last season’s semi-final tie with Borussia Dortmund).

With a minimum of four points required across their final two league phase matches to secure a playoff spot, Luis Enrique’s men need to overcome a must-win scenario before traveling to Stuttgart for the last matchday next week.

However, PSG’s recent form offers reasons for optimism. They have recorded eight consecutive wins in all competitions, including a come-from-behind 2-1 triumph over Lens last weekend to extend their lead at the top of Ligue 1 to nine points. With domestic duties seemingly under control, PSG must now channel their focus into avoiding an early European exit.

The Parisians have historically struggled against Manchester City, winning only one of their seven previous meetings. That solitary victory came at home in their last encounter at the Parc des Princes, a 2-0 success despite managing just six shots – the fewest in their Champions League history.

The French champions are sweating over the fitness of defensive stalwarts Achraf Hakimi and Marquinhos, while Ousmane Dembele is expected to return after the French attacker missed the last two matches due to illness. Meanwhile, January signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is ineligible for the league phase but could eventually feature in the knockout rounds (assuming that PSG go through).

Moreover, Luis Enrique faces a tough decision up front, with Goncalo Ramos and Desire Doue vying for a starting role. However, the experienced Portuguese forward appears likelier to get the nod alongside the in-form Bradley Barcola.

Manchester City: Fighting for European Stability

Manchester City enter matchday seven just inside the playoff places, holding a narrow one-point lead over PSG. However, their European campaign has been far from convincing, with back-to-back away losses to Sporting Lisbon and Juventus marking their worst Champions League road run since 2011-12.

City’s only victories so far have come against weaker opposition in Slovan Bratislava and Sparta Prague. After a 4-1 collapse against Sporting CP and a dismal 2-0 defeat in Turin, Pep Guardiola’s side needs a strong performance in Paris to solidify their position.

Domestically, City’s form has been more encouraging. They demolished Salford City 8-0 in the FA Cup and followed that with a 6-0 hammering of Ipswich Town in the Premier League. The weekend trip to East Anglia could not have gone much better for the Cityzens, who carried the play throughout the 90 minutes and were rewarded with a convincing victory against Ipswich Town.

It feels like the early season rot has stopped, but Pep Guardiola still has a lot of work to do if he wants to restore his side’s fearful image. 

Despite a series of disappointing results over the past couple of months, Manchester City are fifth in the Premier League amid an ongoing investigation of 115 charges for financial breaches. However, a disappointing 2-2 draw at Brentford last week has effectively ended their title hopes, shifting greater importance to their European campaign.

Manchester City boast an impressive Champions League away record, losing only three of their last 28 road games. However, this season’s poor away form in Europe means Guardiola’s men must deliver at the Parc des Princes to avoid a nervy matchday eight against Club Brugge.

With four assists in his last three appearances, Kevin De Bruyne inspired City’s prolific performances since the turn of the calendar year, but Phil Foden was the one to convert most chances.

Foden has drastically improved his form over the past couple of weeks with the England international bagging five goals in his last three league appearances. When it comes to his Champions League record, Foden boasts three goals and one assist in five appearances. 

City remain cautious with John Stones, who is recovering from an ankle issue, and Nathan Ake, sidelined with a minor muscle problem. Rodri is still out with a long-term injury, but Oscar Bobb is back in full training.

Pep Guardiola’s January signings, including Omar Marmoush and Abdukodir Khusanov, will not be eligible for the remaining league phase fixtures.

Possible Starting Lineups of PSG and Manchester City 

Paris Saint-Germain: Gianluigi Donnarumma – Achraf Hakimi, William Pacho, Lucas Hernandez, Nuno Mendes – Warren Zaïre-Emery, Vitinha, Fabián Ruiz – Ousmane Dembele, Goncalo Ramos, Bradley Barcola. (4-3-3) 

Manchester City: Ederson – Rico Lewis, Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, Josko Gvardiol – Bernardo Silva, Mateo Kovacic, Kevin De Bruyne – Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, Savinho. (4-3-3) 

Spooky Express Betting Prediction 

According to EveryGame’s latest betting odds on Wednesday morning, PSG are slight favorites at +135, while Manchester City offer value at +175 for an away win. A draw is priced at +275, reflecting the tight nature of this crucial clash.

When it comes to anticipated individual performances, Erling Haaland is +115 in the Anytime Goalscorer market. On the PSG side, Goncalo Ramos, who has been in solid form domestically in December, is priced at +165 to find the back of the net.

This clash features two modern giants of European football, both under pressure to deliver. PSG’s eight-match winning streak underlines their resurgence, but Manchester City have proven to be a formidable opponent when it matters most.

Whereas PSG’s home advantage and recent form could tilt the scales, City’s attacking firepower, led by Erling Haaland, makes them a significant threat. 

After Benfica and Barcelona arguably played out one of the Champions League all-time classics last night (and we had the two recommended picks winning), Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City are tipped to continue the show at Parc des Princes on Wednesday.

Expect a close high-scoring contest and despite City’s struggles this season – we still believe that Pep Guardiola’s side won’t’ lose in Paris, while Erling Haaland will add to his Champions League tally. 

Spooky Express Free Play: Outcome And Totals – X2 (Manchester City or Draw) and Over 2.5 Goals +160 at EveryGame for 5/10 Units

Spooky Express Free Play 2: Erling Haaland Anytime Goalscorer +115 at EveryGame for 5/10 Units