Prediction: Paris Saint-Germain vs Manchester City

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 41/25

Bookmaker: ZetBet

A vital clash between super-rich football giants is set to take place at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday evening, when Paris Saint-Germain play host to Manchester City in the penultimate round of the Champions League group stage.

Neither side has performed as well as they’d have liked in the competition, and it’s obviously a great curiosity that neither have managed to secure a place in the knockout stage.

Paris Saint-Germain

PSG approach this pivotal clash with buoyed by a timely victory.

Luis Enrique’s men secured a crucial 2-0 win away to Red Bull Salzburg on matchday six, yet they remain on the brink of elimination, sitting just outside the top 24 with seven points. Their situation demands at least four points from their final two games to guarantee a playoff place, with a loss against City potentially leaving their fate in others’ hands before a tough trip to Stuttgart on the final matchday.

Despite their struggles in Europe, PSG have rediscovered their domestic dominance, coming from behind to defeat Lens 2-1 over the weekend, marking an eighth consecutive victory and extending their Ligue 1 lead to nine points. Still, PSG’s European campaign has been underwhelming, with just one point secured from prior meetings with Bayern Munich, Arsenal, and Atletico Madrid.

With Ligue 1 seemingly in the bag, PSG must now translate their domestic form into Europe to avoid an early exit from the Champions League.

Team News

Defensive mainstays Marquinhos and Achraf Hakimi remain doubtful, having been sidelined throughout January. However, Ousmane Dembele, who missed the last two matches due to illness, is expected to return to the lineup.

Meanwhile, recent acquisition Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is ineligible for the league phase of the Champions League and will only join the squad for the knockout stages if PSG progress.

In attack, Luis Enrique faces a tough decision between Goncalo Ramos and Desire Doue. The latter seems more likely to start, given his recent performances.

Manchester City

Manchester City’s turbulent campaign mirrors PSG’s, with early struggles in Europe and the Premier League now giving way to signs of recovery. Four wins in their last five outings demonstrate improvement, but City’s European form remains a significant concern.

Having suffered back-to-back away defeats in the Champions League—for the first time since 2011-12—against Sporting Lisbon and Juventus, City’s hopes of progressing have taken a hit. These losses marked a departure from their otherwise strong away record, with just three defeats in their previous 28 Champions League road games.

City’s domestic performances have offered a boost, with an 8-0 demolition of Salford City in the FA Cup followed by a 6-0 thrashing of Ipswich Town in the Premier League. However, a 2-2 draw at Brentford highlighted lingering inconsistencies, casting doubt on their ability to mount a late title challenge.

Currently sitting just inside the play-off spots, Guardiola’s men are only one point clear of PSG and could face added pressure if Stuttgart and PSV Eindhoven win their respective matches. Given their earlier struggles—such as a 4-1 loss to Sporting, a home collapse against Feyenoord, and a lackluster outing in Turin—a loss in Paris would place City in a precarious position heading into their final group match against Club Brugge.

Team News

Manchester City will likely remain cautious with the defensive side of the lineup for the PSG clash. Nathan Ake missed the weekend’s game due to a minor muscle issue, while John Stones is being eased back following an ankle injury. This could see Manuel Akanji and Ruben Dias partner again at the heart of the defense.

New signings Omar Marmoush and Abdukodir Khusanov will be ineligible for City’s remaining two league-phase fixtures and will focus on domestic matches once their transfers are finalized.

Ballon d’Or winner Rodri continues to be the only long-term absentee for City, but there is positive news with Oscar Bobb having returned to full training after recovering from a leg fracture suffered before the season began.

Conclusion

Manchester City have proven time and time again that when they find their rhythm, they are one of the most challenging teams to face. With their sights set on securing a playoff spot early, they will be highly motivated to deliver a decisive performance against PSG. Their ability to rise to the occasion in critical moments adds to their confidence heading into this clash.

However, PSG’s recent form cannot be overlooked. An impressive eight-game winning streak has demonstrated their resilience and quality, even if their position in 25th suggests inconsistency earlier in the tournament. That said, the level of opposition they faced during that run does not compare to the challenge the reigning Premier League champions pose, setting the stage for a fascinating battle.

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 41/25

Bookmaker: ZetBet