After a crazy Super League week that was, the Champions League returns with PSG vs Man City providing a stellar matchup – and of course we have picks for you.
Europe’s premier club competition has lost a little lustre in the last few days – after all, if most of the big teams want to play somewhere else, like, say, a Super League, what’s the point of it all?
It was doubtful a few days ago whether some of these semi-final games would go ahead. But they are on, and hopefully the soccer will do the talking for the next few days.
PSG vs Man City preview and predictions
The last four in this season’s Champions League all had their fingers in the Super League pie – right now it’s pretty easy not to like them. But at OddsCritic we are professional if nothing else and a winner must be found…
On paper at least, both the semi-finals intriguing ties and the PSG v Man City first leg in Paris is where we’ll place our focus this week.
City is the obvious favourite on form; it has been formidable for the last six months, wrapping up the Premier League title (virtually) weeks in advance, with Pep Guardiola seemingly having a seamless squad rotation process which was working extremely well.
That was until City played Chelsea in the recent FA Cup semi-final. Whether it was fatigue, or overrotation, or Kevin De Bruyne limping off injured early in the second half, for the first time in some time Guardiola’s team looked vulnerable.
It’s likely a combination of all three, but it all creates doubt in the mind of anybody looking to bet on the light Blues. City, and indeed Guardiola’s, Achilles heel is conceding goals on the counter-attack and PSG is one of the best counter-attacking teams in the world.
At Camp Nou just a few months ago, in probably the performance of the season, Kylian Mbappe scored three times in a 4-1 win over Barcelona and it could have been more. The French champion did the same to Bayern Munich, too.
Some caveats; both of those games were away from home and Mbappe was in prime physical condition. But he is currently suffering from a minor injury and he faces a race against time to play against City. IF he makes it, his partnership with Neymar and Angel Di Maria could prosper against a City team looking to dominate possession.
PSG vs Man City picks
This is one very tight to call so let’s focus on the goals bettng. PSG can only really play one way – offensively – and this might force City to open up a little.
Under 2.5 Goals is +135. But let’s look at the home side. IF Mbappe plays, we’d favour Over 1.5 PSG goals at -150. However, you should wait until starting lineups are announced before making a selection.
If Mbappe’s in, take the Over 2.5. If he’s out, keep your dollars in your pocket.
Pick: Over 2.5 goals at -150 (bet365, if Mbappe starts)
What time does PSG vs Manchester City start?
PSG vs Man City takes at Parc des Princes in Paris on Wednesday, 28 April with a kick off time of 1500 ET (1200 PT).
How can I watch PSG vs Manchester City on TV?
PSG vs Man City will be shown on CBS Sports and can be streamed on Paramount +.