Manchester City v Paris Saint Germain Betting Preview

Back Pellegrini’s men to keep their Champions League dream alive with a win

Manchester City

A few weeks ago Manchester City’s season looked as if it was over, but after moving four points clear in fourth place and earning an impressive 2-2 draw with PSG last week, Pellegrini’s men will believe that their season could yet be a success. City have only lost one of their last seven in all competitions, and a defeat for Manchester United on Sunday means that their chances of finishing in the top four are looking more likely now. City have also scored eight goals in their last three games, and they’ll definitely need a couple on Tuesday night to hold off the PSG charge.

Their form in the Champions League group stage was impressive, topping the group with 12 points and overcoming quality opposition in Juventus and Sevilla. However, in recent months their home form has dipped, with only two wins from their last six at the Etihad. They also suffered a home defeat to Juventus in the competition back in September, and so the victory against PSG is far from certain. It’s a difficult game to call, but I have a feeling Pellegrini’s men will have the bit between their teeth on Tuesday night – I’m backing them to win.

Paris Saint Germain

It’s been quite a season for Laurent Blanc’s men. The French side wrapped up the Ligue 1 title with eight games to spare and currently have 83 points from 33 league games. Much like Manchester City, PSG’s form of late has been impressive with only one defeat in their last eight games in all competitions. If there’s any team capable of beating Manchester City tomorrow night, it’s PSG – and I wouldn’t rule it out completely.

Despite scoring more points than City, Paris Saint Germain only managed to secure second position in their Champions League group with 13, three behind Real Madrid. They scored 12 goals in their six games, as well as another four over two legs against Chelsea. In fact Blanc’s side have only failed to score in three of their last 26 competitive matches, and City will do well to keep them out on Tuesday. The form books would tell you PSG have it in the bag, but I have a strange feeling City can pull this one off and progress to the next round.

Head-to-Head

The 2-2 draw played out between the two sides last week was their first meeting in Europe’s elite competition and only the second meeting in all competitions. Both previous encounters have ended in draws, with the two sides playing out a 0-0 stalemate in the UEFA Cup (now the Europa League) back in 2008.

To score – Sergio Aguero 11/10

The Argentinian has found his form at the perfect time and will play a crucial role in Manchester City’s bid for silverware this season. He has four goals to his name in his last seven appearances, and four in the last three Premier League games in which City have scored. He has two goals in four Champions League starts, and he’s the kind of player who can come to life on the big stage when needed – something he’s proved all too often. I’m backing him to find the net on Tuesday with odds of 11/10.

Both teams to score – Yes 1/2

I think due to the nature of the game we’ll see plenty of attacking football on Tuesday night, and I can’t see City keeping a clean sheet against a side who have scored 16 goals in their last four away games. I would recommend backing odds of 1/2 for both teams to find the net at the Etihad on Tuesday.

Match odds – Manchester City 2/1

It will certainly be a close and exciting affair, but I can see Manchester City snatching a victory that will take them through to their first ever Champions League semi-finals. The home side are priced at very favourable odds of 2/1, whereas you can collect odds of 7/5 for PSG to win the tie and progress to the next round. The draw is priced at 13/5.

Writer’s prediction: Manchester City 2 – 1 Paris Saint Germain

*Odds correct at the time of publication, click here for all the latest odds on upcoming football matches.