Under the old UEFA Champions League format, PSG might already have secured their place in the knockout rounds. But one of the most fascinating aspects of the new structure is the real sense of jeopardy it brings, even for Europe’s heavyweights.
Heading into Matchday 7, PSG are in 26th place, two spots shy of the playoff zone with Manchester City next up. The prospect of an early exit, which would mean no European football for the rest of the season, is unthinkable for a club that views lifting this trophy as their Holy Grail.
For manager Luis Enrique, this season—and indeed his tenure in Paris—won’t be judged by another routine Ligue 1 title. Failing to make it past the League Phase would undoubtedly spark uncomfortable questions about his suitability for the job.
To stay in contention, PSG have no choice but to do it the hard way, starting with a must-win game against City at the Parc des Princes. With their backs against the wall, motivation shouldn’t be an issue for the Parisians.
At least their UCL form has shown signs of improvement with a commanding 3-0 win over RB Salzburg last time out. Luis Enrique will be counting on his frontline to replicate that performance against the reigning English champions.
Unfortunately, new signing Kvicha Kvaratskhelia is ineligible for this match, so it would be to the likes of Ousmane Dembélé and Gonçalo Ramos to step up and deliver.
Road Sick City
Manchester City, meanwhile, are hardly cruising through the group phase themselves. They arrive in Paris clinging to the final playoff spot, meaning they’re just as desperate for a result as their hosts.
A positive outcome here would give their hopes of advancing a significant boost, but their away record in this season’s competition raises serious concerns about their chances. Pep Guardiola’s side are winless in their last three Champions League trips, including defeats to Juventus and Sporting Lisbon.
But the visitors can take confidence from their head-to-head against PSG, with four wins to just one for the hosts in their seven encounters. Moreover, City are coming into this clash on a strong run, with four wins and a draw in their last five matches, including a 6-0 thrashing of Ipswich Town in the Premier League.
Confidence should be high, but they will have to manage without Nathan Aké and John Stones, both sidelined, alongside long-term absentee Rodri.
Betting Tip: Both Teams to Score; Full-time Draw
22/01 21:00 PSG – Manchester City Both Teams to Score @ 1.42; Full-time Draw @ 3.75 (betBonanza)
With both teams in desperate need of a win, this should be a pulsating contest packed with goalmouth action.
The attacking philosophy of both sides suggests a high-scoring affair, so our first betting tip is Both Teams to Score at 1.42 odds on betBonanza. PSG’s urgency and City’s near-guarantee of scoring make this outcome very likely.
PSG vs Manchester City - Both Teams to Score @ 1.42
However, neither side has shown enough consistency in Europe this season to suggest they can outclass the other.
PSG have been poor at home in this competition and are without a win in their last two UCL outings at the Parc des Princes. Meanwhile, City’s poor away record in the competition, with three winless trips, doesn’t inspire much confidence either.
In the end, while both sides will push for the win, their current form in the competition points to a stalemate.
For that reason, we’re also backing a Full-time Draw at 3.75 odds on betBonanza.
PSG vs Manchester City - Full-time Draw @ 3.75For even better returns, consider combining these two tips as a bet builder on betBonanza, at an enticing 4.17 odds. It’s a great value for what feels like a very plausible outcome.
PSG vs Manchester City - Bet Builder: Both Teams to Score; Full-time Draw @ 4.17Predicted Line-ups:
- PSG: Donnarumma (GK); Beraldo, Pacho, Hernanadez; Emery, Vitinha, Ruiz, Mendes; Barcola, Lee, Doue
- Manchester City: Ederson (GK); Nunes, Akanji, Ake, Gvardiol; Silva, Kovacic; Foden, De Bruyne, Savio; Haaland
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