Paris-Manchester City: Operation Sky Blues

A look at the league table

After kicking off their European campaign in spectacular fashion with emphatic victories over Slovan Bratislava (0-4) and Sparta Prague (5-0), Manchester City faced a much more challenging end to 2024. The disappointment began at home against Feyenoord, where the English side squandered a three-goal lead to settle for a draw (3-3). This was followed by a defeat on the final matchday of the year, as they fell to Juventus in Turin (2-0). With 8 points on the table, the Sky Blues currently sit in 22nd place.

Paris Saint-Germain have also faced their share of struggles on the European stage. After securing a crucial victory over Girona (1-0), the Rouge et Bleu were unlucky in their matches against PSV Eindhoven (1-1) and Atlético Madrid (1-2). Despite defeats to Arsenal (2-0) and Bayern Munich (1-0), Luis Enrique’s men bounced back in the last matchday with a commanding 3-0 win away at Salzburg. Les Parisiens now have 7 points and sit in 25th place.

FORM in numbers

THE strengths of the opposition

Pep Guardiola and his team typically operate in a 4-3-3 system, which can easily transition into a 4-2-3-1. In goal, Stefan Ortega has shown promise, but his performances are unlikely to threaten the starting spot of Brazilian international Ederson. As vital as ever in his team’s build-up play, the 31-year-old goalkeeper is expected to be supported by a central defensive pairing of Rúben Dias and Manuel Akanji, with John Stones and Nathan Aké sidelined due to injuries. Recent arrivals Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis will not be eligible for the match.

At right-back, Manchester City legend Kyle Walker (34) is nearing the end of his tenure, making way for the rise of youngster Rico Lewis, who is favuored to start over the versatile Matheus Nunes. On the left side, Josko Gvardiol continues to impress and has solidified his place as a starter. In midfield, World Cup runner-up Mateo Kovačić has grown in importance following Rodri's serious injury. The former Real Madrid player is likely to partner with Bernardo Silva and the indispensable Kevin De Bruyne in the centre of the pitch.

Captain of the Citizens, the Belgian playmaker Kevin De Bruyne continues to be the key orchestrator for his side. The main casualty of this might be İlkay Gündoğan, who has struggled to perform at his usual level this season despite his vast experience in the competition (103 matches). A similar situation applies to Jack Grealish, who has faced challenges in recent months. On the left wing, former Rennes star Jérémy Doku (6 goals and 7 assists across all competitions this season) is emerging as the favourite to start. The electrifying Belgian winger may be preferred over Brazilian international Savinho (1 goal, 8 assists).

On the right wing, however, competition is less intense, as English international Phil Foden (9 goals, 4 assists) remains a cornerstone of Pep Guardiola’s plans. Foden will be a constant threat for the Paris defence, alongside Erling Haaland (22 goals, 1 assist), who is expected to lead the Sky Blues’ attack. With 46 goals in 45 Champions League matches, the 195 cm, 88 kg Norwegian striker will be a significant asset for his team. Such is the formidable challenge awaiting Paris Saint-Germain this Wednesday at the Parc des Princes…