Paris Saint-Germain (A) - CL SF | Pre-Match Thread

[lightning Rodri]

I see this playing out similar to Bayern - PSG(hopefully not the result).

We will dominate and try to create chances like Bayern. Bayern did create enough, if I remember right, but missed Lewandowski. We don't have a Lewa-like striker atm anyways. So a lot depends on whether Foden, Mahrez, Kevin and Gundogan are wearing their shooting boots, who are likely to be at the end of our attacks.

PSG will absorb the pressure, play through the press and hit on the counter like super charged rags. And they actually have capable players in Veratti, Di Maria, Neymar and Mbappe. We have to assume we will concede a couple over two legs.

I am inclined to having a defensive partner to Rodri, Dinho ideally but Zinchenko if he is tired after yesterday. But that leaves Bernardo out which is also a tough call, we'll miss his press. Or just play Bernardo deeper on left to cover Cancelo when he goes on his runs and be an out ball to Rodri and back four.

One thing we have and Bayern didn't is Super Ruben. If he's on his absolute best, we will beat them over two games.

 

[RegMuffin]

PSG should be respected but not feared.

They're not even top of their league and have lost a lot of games so are eminently beatable. But as with Dortmund, these types of European giants know how to manage these big occasions. Every single City player needs to bring their A game and the margins across the legs will be very tight, no defensive errors and more ruthless up front.

In spite of his recent absence of start Jesus, his stats in Europe proves he's got pedigree but granted not consistency.

 

[Sergio<3]

We must score an away goal in my opinion

 

[foggy1974]

Erm, I’d take a 3-3 or a 2-2 over a nil nil in the away leg any day of the week and anyone that wouldn’t needs to give their heads a wobble.

I'd take a 2-1 loss over 0-0

 

[burning blue soul]

Could have been worse.


View attachment 15142

there's a 2nd game, y'know!! ;)

 

[foggy1974]

Does Pep go with Zinny or Cancelo at LB? It's a tough call. Cancelo as we saw yesterday, CAN be very impactful going forward but can also put the team in bad situations with his decision making. While Alex may be limited going forward, he's more steady and less prone to error, I'd say. But personally the proposition of Zinny vs Di Maria scares me more than him vs Cancelo.

I thought yesterday was probably his best game defensively, made some crucial tackles. My worry is that if he's in midfield he can be caught out with the ball behind which has been a major improvement in Alex's game.

If Pep does decide to change the system, then 3 at the back Stones, Dias & Laporte wouldnt be that bad of a change.

 

[SWP's back]

I'd take a 2-1 loss over 0-0

So you take a 2-1 loss then draw 0-0 at home...

There is no world where a 2-1 loss is better than a 0-0. None at all. Think of any score line in the second leg where a 2-1 loss first leg result is better than a 0-0 and I’ll donate £50 a charity of your choosing.

 

[northstandgiveusasong]

I thought yesterday was probably his best game defensively, made some crucial tackles. My worry is that if he's in midfield he can be caught out with the ball behind which has been a major improvement in Alex's game.

If Pep does decide to change the system, then 3 at the back Stones, Dias & Laporte wouldnt be that bad of a change.

We don't want another Lyon situation. 4 at the back please!

 

[SidJames]

We must score an away goal in my opinion

No Sterling then. :-)

 

[Didsbury Dave]

I thought yesterday was probably his best game defensively, made some crucial tackles. My worry is that if he's in midfield he can be caught out with the ball behind which has been a major improvement in Alex's game.

If Pep does decide to change the system, then 3 at the back Stones, Dias & Laporte wouldnt be that bad of a change.

I can't remember playing that system all season. Not a cat in hell's chance he would disrupt us like that in a game as big as this.

 

[ONTHERUNWITHTHAKSIN]

If Stones is CB then it will have to be Zinchenko LB as Cancelo struggles when he has right footed CB next to him on the left

Rodri for Fern and Bernardo for Sterling would be my bet

 

[DTKOAG]

I feel the time is now right for Delap to make a big impression on the world stage.

 

[lionheart]

We must score an away goal in my opinion

Personally I feel we need to win in Paris to stand a chance as PSG are great travellers.

 

[lionheart]

If Stones is CB then it will have to be Zinchenko LB as Cancelo struggles when he has right footed CB next to him on the left...

An interesting theory. I would love to view supporting data.

 

[super_city_si]

the PL, FA and tv companies seem to bend over backwards to make our progress in the CL as difficult as possible. Its an absolute joke we're playing palace at 12:30 saturday. After having a final at 4:30 on the sunday before the game.

 

[super_city_si]

two questions for me:

Stones or Laporte and Cancelo or Zinchenko

the others are automatic (hopefully). I'd go
Ederson
Walker Stones Dias Zinchenko
Bernardo Rodri Gundogan
Mahrez De Bruyne Foden

Important Kev plays the 9 and we have Bernardo deeper next to mahrez

 

[Whitty1001]

1-2 City I reckon.

 

[Mancini Manus Domini]

the PL, FA and tv companies seem to bend over backwards to make our progress in the CL as difficult as possible. Its an absolute joke we're playing palace at 12:30 saturday. After having a final at 4:30 on the sunday before the game.

I think United's result yesterday has done us a massive favour. I'd be surprised if we don't rotate the team significantly against Palace.

 

[BongoBlue]

We must score an away goal in my opinion

Exactly. We have to because I actually fear that they will score at the Etihad the way that they set up.

 

[Manc Born & Bred]

So you take a 2-1 loss then draw 0-0 at home...

There is no world where a 2-1 loss is better than a 0-0. None at all. Think of any score line in the second leg where a 2-1 loss first leg result is better than a 0-0 and I’ll donate £50 a charity of your choosing.

I think the OP was making the point that a 2-1 away defeat means we at least have an away goal as opposed to a 0-0. An away goal is important as it could give you breathing space for the home leg.

On another topic I wonder how long it will take for the commentators to shoehorn the fact that we beat Dortmund who had 17 year old Jude Bellingham playing for them