PSG vs Man City: Champions League team news and prediction
The tie of the round in the Champions League, PSG welcome Manchester City to the Parc des Princes as these two European heavyweights lock horns once more. Both sides have been losing finalists' in the last two Champions League finals, so are keen to go all the way this time around.
Ahead of this monster showdown in Paris, we provide all the key information, including what time this match kicks off, where to watch this game, team news and probable XIs...
When is kick off?
Tuesday 28th September, 20:00 GMT
Where is the match?
Parc des Princes, Paris (France)
What TV channel is it on?
BT Sport 2
PSG fans were excited at the prospect of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar starting together for the first time when the French side made the trip to Club Bruges in gameweek one, but if there were a script, the Belgian side certainly didn't read it pre-match. Ander Herrera put PSG ahead with 15 minutes on the clock, yet their lead lasted just 12 minutes as Hans Vanakan fired Club Brudges level midway through the first half. PSG were arguably second best in their clash and will seek to put in an improved performance tonight.
Manchester City played out one of the ties of the first round of games, earning a 6-3 win over Bundesliga side RB Leipzig. Nathan Ake opened the scoring for City and the Premier League side doubled their advantage with 28 minutes on the clock as Nordi Mukiele scored an own goal. Christopher Nkunku bagged his first of the night four minutes before the break, yet Riyad Mahrez restored City's two-goal advantage from the penalty spot on the stroke of half time.
Nkunku hauled RB Leipig to within one goal shortly after the restart before Jack Grealish put City 4-2 up 10 minutes into the second half. Nkunku completed his hat-trick with 17 minutes to go, but any hopes of a comeback were dashed two minutes later as Joao Cancelo rifled past Peter Gulacsi with 15 minutes left to play. RB Leipzig were reduced to 10 men with 10 minutes to play as former City man Angelino received his march orders and Gabriel Jesus completed the scoring with five minutes remaining.
Team News
Lionel Messi and Marco Verratti have both returned to training and will reportedly go straight back into the starting XI. Idrissa Gueye is also set to start in midfield alongside Verratti and Ander Herrera having served a ban in the meeting in Club Bruges. Angel Di Maria, however, is suspended, while Sergio Ramos is ruled out for the home side. Gianluigi Donnarumma has been named PSG's Champions League goalkeeper and is set to feature at Keylor Navas' expense.
For Manchester City, Ilkay Gundogan is sidelined and won't return until after the international break, while Oleksandr Zinchenko will be assessed. Aymeric Laporte and John Stones were both fit enough to make the City squad at Chelsea on Saturday, with the latter in line to make his first appearance of the season at the former's expense alongside Ruben Dias. Pep Guardiola may also bring Riyad Mahrez into the starting XI in place of Gabriel Jesus on the right, while Ferran Torres and Raheem Sterling are battling for one spot in attack.
Probable XIs
PSG (433) - Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Kimpembe, Diallo; Herrera, Verratti, Gueye; Messi, Mbappe, Neymar
Man City (433) - Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Cancelo; De Bruyne, Rodri, Silva; Mahrez, Torres, Grealish
Key Battle: Neymar vs Jack Grealish
Neymar only recently scored his first goal of the season for PSG, hitting the back of the net from the penalty spot in their recent 2-1 win over Lyon. The Brazilian has started the season slowly, but signs are positive that he is beginning to find his rhythm. Indeed, Neymar has had a direct hand in a goal in his last three outings, following up his goal against Lyon with assists in wins over Metz and Montpellier, and that potentially spells trouble for Manchester City.
However, while Neymar is beginning to hit his stride, Jack Grealish has made an immediate impact for City. The England international secured a big money move to City over the summer and after a nervy full debut, has excelled, having a direct hand in four goals for Pep Guardiola's side this term. Grealish's best rated performance came in the 6-3 win over RB Leipzig, suggesting he is not overawed by the Champions League, but with his two goals and two assists coming at the Etihad Stadium, he needs to up his game on the road in order to help City to a result in Paris tonight.
Score Prediction: PSG 1-1 Manchester City
