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Man City, PSG showdown tonight


Published : 23 Nov 2021 08:59 PM | Updated : 24 Nov 2021 08:50 AM

Seeking to avenge their September defeat at the Parc des Princes, Manchester City welcome Paris Saint-Germain to the Etihad Stadium for Wednesday's Champions League Group A battle.

The hosts currently sit at the summit with nine points to their name, but PSG are only one point behind and will also eye qualification to the next round this week.

PSG's chances of a first-placed finish in Champions League Group A took a significant hit against RB Leipzig last time out, as a late penalty from Dominik Szoboszlai saw the Bundesliga side rescue a 2-2 draw to leave Mauricio Pochettino and two-goal midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum ruing what could have been.

Read more: Atletico, Milan look to find some form

As a result, second-placed PSG are now one point behind City in the rankings but boast a four-point cushion over third-placed Brugge, so their rightful place in the knockout rounds should not be in any real jeopardy as they aim to end a three-game winless run on the road in Europe.

Man City will remain without Kevin De Bruyne for this fixture following his positive coronavirus test, and it remains to be seen if Jack Grealish will be passed fit after missing the Everton win with a minor injury.

Ferran Torres continues to battle back from his foot fracture, and Cole Palmer led the line in his absence against the Toffees, but Gabriel Jesus ought to return to the first XI this week.

Ruben Dias and Riyad Mahrez are also in line for starts against Les Parisiens, as Ilkay Gundogan continues to benefit from De Bruyne's enforced absence in the middle.

Meanwhile, PSG's medical room has emptied out in recent weeks, and there is a chance that Sergio Ramos may finally be ready for his long-awaited debut in navy blue.

Marquinhos and Presnel Kimpembe are the more likely options to return to the rearguard, but goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma is a major doubt due to gastroenteritis.

Julian Draxler and Rafinha are also likely to miss out, although neither man would have been in with a chance of starting, as Messi, Mbappe and Neymar form their irrepressible front three once again.

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