CHRIS SUTTON’S FIVE KEY BATTLES
KYLIAN MBAPPE v JOAO CANCELO
CANCELO’S highlights reel against Chelsea was impressive, considering he was a right back playing at left back. Tonight, he’s got to stop Mbappe. Sitting near the top of the goals and assists charts in Ligue 1, the French sensation has been the best of a very talented bunch at Paris Saint-Germain this season. Cancelo is fast but not as quick as fellow full back Kyle Walker, so Mbappe will likely target the Portugal star’s flank.
IDRISSA GUEYE v BERNARDO SILVA
THERE is talk of Pep Guardiola resting Kevin De Bruyne, which I’d find surprising for a match of this magnitude. He can cut open an opposition defence in an instant. Yet if De Bruyne is rested, Silva is the one who will try to assume the role of City’s chief playmaker. Gueye, Ander Herrera, Leandro Paredes or Gini Wijnaldum — whoever is in that PSG midfield — will look to harry Silva before he can do damage. There’s going to be a battle for possession tonight. Expect to see plenty of pressing.
LIONEL MESSI v FERNANDINHO
THIS one depends on Messi being fit. PSG say they’re hopeful their awesome Argentine will be able to take part despite a recent knee problem. If he does play, then City’s defensive midfielder is going to need to watch out for Messi ghosting into spaces where he can pick up the ball and run — as we’ve seen from him over the years. Rodri is the best candidate for that job, but word is that Fernandinho will start. He’s experienced enough to know where to position himself, at least. It isn’t easy with the freedom that Messi is generally given.
ACHRAF HAKIMI v JACK GREALISH
GREALISH is growing into that City shirt nicely. Guardiola didn’t get the striker he wanted in the summer window, but he did add more creativity — £100million worth in the form of the former Aston Villa captain. Hakimi likes to add to PSG’s attacks by flying down the right wing but he’ll need to be mindful of leaving Grealish with room to do damage behind. The 26-year-old strikes me as the type of player who, when on the same pitch as Messi, Neymar, Mbappe and Co, will want to stand out.
NUNO MENDES v RIYAD MAHREZ
MAHREZ tormented PSG in last season’s Champions League semi-final, scoring three goals across the two legs. It’s only right that he should get the chance to do it all over again at Parc des Princes. Starts have been hard to secure for Mahrez of late, but he will be relishing this contest with memories of last season’s victories in his mind. Yet when he faced PSG, he wasn’t up against Mendes. The Portugal left back, on loan from Sporting Lisbon, is only 19 but what a talent. He’ll give Mahrez a good test.