You may call it the Oil Derby, or the Dollar Derby! But right now, it’s the Survival Derby, as two of the biggest clubs in European football go head to head at the Parc des Princes, Paris to secure one of the 16 playoff spots available in the revamped UEFA Champions League.
The clash between the champions of England and France is going to be the highlight of the midweek football calendar as both find themselves nearer the bottom of the 36-team table after a series of sub-par efforts. In all fairness, PSG might have been unfortunate when the league-stage draw was made; coming up against the likes of Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Arsenal and now Manchester City. However, few imagined what has now played out in the first six rounds.
Manchester City currently sit 22nd on the table, while PSG sit 25th with two games to go before the league stage comes to an embarrassing end for one of these two teams.
Man City, the 2022/23 champions, have completely ruined their chances of automatic qualification after a horrid end to 2024. The team suffered an alarming drop in form that included failing to win any of their last three Champions League games. Seven of their eight points came in the first three rounds.
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Demain c’est @ChampionsLeague
#UCL | #PSGMCI pic.twitter.com/StIG7Fsoak
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) January 21, 2025
However, with the turn of the year, the Citizens have rediscovered their domestic form, netting 22 goals in their last five outings. And Pep Guardiola will now aim to bring his former Blaugrana teammate’s season to a head.
On the other hand, Luis Enrique’s side is still trying to fill the huge gap left behind by Kylian Mbappe after his summer move to Real Madrid. PSG have consistently struggled to find their footing in Europe’s elite club competition. They have now shifted their focus to grooming young guns rather than going for big-money signings. Their win against Red Bull Salzburg was only their second in the six games played, having lost to all the European heavyweights.
However, Guardiola’s strategic nous will be essential, especially to orchestrate City’s approach against a PSG side known for their attacking intent. This game could very well hinge on tactical adaptability and the ability to exploit fleeting moments of opportunity. It will be particularly interesting to see how both managers adjust their tactics and lay down the formations in response to each other’s moves. The depth of the squads could be a decisive factor as well, with both teams facing injuries to key defensive players as squad fatigue continues to play a part.
Both teams have made crucial signings during the winter transfer window to bolster themselves for the second half of the season. But given that the deadline for player registration with UEFA for the initial phase is already over, Abdukodir Khusanov for City and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for PSG won’t be able to take part in any of the last league stage matches of the Champions League.
This match might not just be about securing a playoff spot, but also about making a statement on the European stage. So, expect a thrilling encounter filled with tactical intrigue and world-class football as both teams vie for the golden ticket to the final stages of the UEFA Champions League.
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