Few changes for this one, I reckon…

…and then many for our weekend, Premier League fixture, I’m guessing.

v Paris St. Germain

Le Parc de Princes

 

Predicted line-up, subs and outcome:

(Number correct from the starting line-up in the last game: 7/11).

Fluid 4-1-5-0 / 4-6-0 / 4-3-3:

_____________________________________________

 

 

Foden_____________De Bruyne____________Mahrez

 

__________Gundogan_________Silva_____________

 

_____________________Rodri____________________

Zinchenko_______________________________Walker

 

____________Laporte___________Dias_____________

 

 

____________________Ederson___________________

Subs: Steffen, Carson, Cancelo, Mendy, Ake, Garcia, Stones, Fernandinho, Sterling, Torres, Jesus, Aguero.

Notable absences:

-       None.

Do I agree with Pep’s (predicted) line-up?

Absolutely.

Result? There’s no doubting that our hosts have talent aplenty; not least attacking wise.

And, in a game like this where it’s essentially two finals wrapped into one tie, the French side can be devastating and are more than capable of destroying most opposition.

But I have to look at the fact that, in their domestic league at least and despite their quality; they sit just second but, crucially for us, have not won 11 of their 34 league games so far. Better informed, French football fans than me could tell me why that might be the case but, for me, that says that they have vulnerabilities and if Pep does go with my predicted set up plus the confidence that we must-surely take from our League Cup final win and fine league form; I honestly believe that we can come out of this first-leg tie with something.

In fact, call me overly confident if you will…but I’m going for us to go into the second leg with a lead of some description. It’s a City win.

Prediction: N/A

Result: N/A

Expected weather conditions during the game: As the game kicks off local time 9:00pm (8:00pm BST), the sun will have all but disappeared in the sky; leaving the temperature at a not-too-bad, 13C. That only dips to around 11 or 12C as the game moves on and there’s only a light, north-westerly breeze. Fine conditions for a game.