PSG vs Manchester City – Combined XI ahead of UCL clash | OneFootball

Paris Saint-Germain host Manchester City in the Champions League tonight in a clash of huge importance for both sides.

Despite their two squads being stacked with talent, both are facing a fight to reach the knockout rounds. The result of tonight’s tie could prove pivotal, with the stakes high at the Parc des Princes.

Ahead of their showdown in the French capital, we’ve selected our Paris Saint-Germain vs Manchester City Combined XI.

PSG vs Manchester City – Combined XI

Goalkeeper: Ederson – Manchester City

Ederson edges out Gianluigi Donnarumma to take the gloves in our Combined XI. The former has come under pressure from Stefan Ortega of late but remains crucial to the Citizens. He offers ice-cool assurance in and out of possession and elite distribution.

Right-back: Achraf Hakimi – Paris Saint-Germain

Arguably the best wing-back in world football right now. Achraf Hakimi is a marauding force of nature when at his best for PSG. He has 10 goal involvements this season and ranks in the top five percent of full-backs in Europe for shots, assists, progressive passes, progressive carries and touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 minutes. Influential.

Centre-back: Marquinhos – Paris Saint-Germain

Marquinhos looks set to win his race to be fit and the Brazilian’s return is big for PSG. The 30-year-old has spent over a decade in Paris, where he has won 31 trophies including nine Ligue 1 titles. His leadership will be crucial as Luis Enrique’s side battles to reach the knockout rounds.

Centre-back: Ruben Dias – Manchester City

From one defensive leader to another. Manchester City often look more secure when Ruben Dias is in the side. The Portugal international is a commanding defender and vocal presence. Much has been made of Rodri’s absence but Dias was sidelined for four league defeats during a difficult festive period.

Left-back: Josko Gvardiol – Manchester City

Josko Gvardiol wins a tough selection for the left-back role. Nuno Mendes is a fantastic forward threat, but the Croatian is one of Europe’s most unique defenders. A natural off either foot, strong as an ox, and progressive in his play, only two players have made more passes into the final third in the Premier League this season.

Midfield: Vitinha – Paris Saint-Germain

A lack of legs in the Manchester City midfield has been exposed this season, though it’s not a slight that can be aimed at PSG. Vitinha’s elegant industry sets the tone for the French champions, while he leads all Ligue 1 players for passes into the final third this season. He’s come on leaps and bounds in a PSG shirt.

Midfield: Joao Neves – Paris Saint-Germain

PSG beat competition from Premier League clubs to land Joao Neves in a €60m deal last summer. The French champions have certainly been pleased with their purchase, as Neves has underlined his status as one of Europe’s best up-and-coming midfielders.

The 20-year-old leads Ligue 1 for assists (7) and ranks in the top 2% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for tackles per game (3.78).

Midfield: Kevin De Bruyne – Manchester City

Kevin De Bruyne might be creaking towards the end at Manchester City but the 33-year-old remains his side’s talisman. There have been encouraging signs in recent weeks after a slow start to the season, with four assists in his last three Premier League appearances.

He’s still a difference-maker for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Right-wing: Phil Foden – Manchester City

Another who has found form of late, Phil Foden has four goals in his last two league outings. The reigning PFA Player of the Year has struggled to recapture last season’s heights but his recent performances offer hope for the run-in. City need him at his best, ghosting decisively into advanced areas.

Left-wing: Bradley Barcola – Paris Saint-Germain

Bradley Barcola is enjoying a coming-of-age campaign in a Paris Saint-Germain shirt. The 22-year-old has stepped up since Kylian Mbappe’s exit to score 11 goals in 16 league starts – only Marseille’s Mason Greenwood has more in Ligue 1 this season.

He is fast becoming the poster boy of a PSG project that has turned its focus to emerging young talent.

Forward: Erling Haaland – Manchester City

Luis Enrique has not favoured an out-and-out forward this season but it’s fair to say the PSG head coach would change that stance if he had a goalscorer of Erling Haaland’s quality.

The Norwegian has netted an astonishing 112 goals in 127 games since signing for City, winning the Premier League’s Golden Boot in each of the last two seasons. His record in this competition is frightening, with 46 goals in 45 games.

Read – The highest scoring Champions League games of all time

See more – Marmoush next? Ranking Manchester City’s best Bundesliga signings

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