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Manchester City are in the box seat to book a maiden Champions League semi-final appearance, but they must first keep their nerve at home against fellow contenders Paris St-Germain. Join The Roar for live scores from 4:45am AEST.
Despite their indifferent form in the Premier League, City now find themselves within reach of a Champions League semi-final following their crucial 2-2 draw away to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg last week.
Indeed, if it wasn’t for Fernando’s shocking error which led to Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s equalising goal, City could have well taken a lead back to the Etihad.
Regardless, City are still in a strong position courtesy of their two away goals.
Manuel Pellegrini’s men will progress to the last four if they secure anything below a 2-2 draw. A repeat of the result in Paris will see the tie go into extra time, while a 3-3 draw will see PSG progress on away goals.
The tie is certainly not settled by any stretch of the imagination, but PSG have to come out with an attacking mindset to secure passage to the semi-finals.
This will present ample opportunity for City’s own attacking stars to wreak havoc. Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero all need to produce strong performances tonight if City are to progress.
Aguero, in particular, needs to raise his level. The Argentine has struggled to get on the score sheet in recent matches and will want to stamp his authority on the biggest stage. An early goal will do his confidence the world of good.
PSG’s chances of progressing to the last four rest on the shoulders of three key players, Ibrahimovic, Angel di Maria and Thiago Silva. Ibrahimovic needs to make a statement tonight after failing to convert a crucial penalty in the first leg.
Silva, meanwhile, is the rock in an otherwise shaky PSG defence. If he can keep his back four level-headed, it will go a long way to keeping City at bay.
Di Maria’s pace and energy on the ball will be key to instigating PSG’s attacks. If he is given room to roam, City will suffer.
Prediction
With history on the line, both teams will leave nothing in the tank in what promises to be a classic.
City’s away goals, coupled with the present form of De Bruyne, should be enough for the home side to secure a historic Champions League semi-final birth.
City and PSG to draw 1-1
Will Manchester City’s away goals from the first leg prove to be the difference, or can Paris Saint-Germain rebound with a convincing performance? Join The Roar at 4:45am (AEST) for all the action with our live scores.