Manchester City are expected to make changes for their UEFA Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain, with Jérémy Doku in contention to start after his impressive performance against Liverpool.
Enzo Maresca’s side head into the European fixture following a convincing victory at Anfield, where City took advantage of Ryan Gravenberch’s second booking to strengthen their position in the Premier League.
City now face a major test against PSG, the reigning Champions League holders, at the Etihad Stadium on Matchday 2 of the league phase. With both teams targeting another important result in Europe, Maresca will have to find the right balance between attacking threat and defensive stability.
Doku tipped to start against PSG
Doku made an immediate impact after coming off the bench against Liverpool, demonstrating the pace and directness that make him a valuable option in City’s attack.
The Belgian winger is expected to feature from the start against PSG, potentially alongside Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki in an attacking midfield unit supporting Erling Haaland.
Haaland will be City’s main goal threat. According to the source report, the Norwegian has scored 42 goals in the Champions League group stage and league phase since making his competition debut in September 2019 — the highest total among players over that period.
PSG will need to be alert to his movement and finishing, particularly if City manage to create space around the penalty area.
Donnarumma faces his former club
Gianluigi Donnarumma is predicted to start in goal against his former side. The Italian goalkeeper will have an opportunity to face PSG following his departure from the French club.
In defence, Matheus Nunes could start at right-back, with Rúben Dias and Marc Guéhi forming the central defensive partnership. Joško Gvardiol is also expected to return to the starting line-up after beginning the Liverpool match on the bench.
The defensive selection would give City a combination of experience, physical presence and flexibility against PSG’s dangerous forward line.
Midfield battle could prove decisive
Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernández are tipped to operate in central midfield, providing energy and control as City attempt to dictate the tempo.
Foden could occupy the right side of the attack, while Cherki is expected to play in a central creative role. Doku would provide width on the left, leaving Haaland to lead the line.
The predicted selection suggests Maresca is considering an attacking approach, although the final line-up will depend on his tactical assessment and any late decisions.
Predicted Manchester City XI vs PSG
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma
Defenders: Matheus Nunes, Rúben Dias, Marc Guéhi, Joško Gvardiol
Midfielders: Elliot Anderson, Enzo Fernández
Attacking midfielders: Phil Foden, Rayan Cherki, Jérémy Doku
Striker: Erling Haaland
City face a major European test
PSG’s status as back-to-back Champions League winners makes the fixture a significant challenge for Manchester City. The visitors have established themselves among Europe’s leading sides, and City will need to deliver a disciplined performance to secure another victory.
Doku’s potential inclusion offers City an additional source of pace and attacking unpredictability. If he can reproduce the impact he made against Liverpool, he could play a key role in helping Maresca’s team overcome the European champions.
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