Category: previews

Every football fan across the globe will have an eye on PSG’s Champions League semi-final first-leg clash against Manchester City on Wednesday.

Both teams have come a long way and are aiming to become European champions for the first time. PSG were in the final last year, where they narrowly lost 1-0 to eventual champions Bayern Munich.

However, the Ligue 1 side has been better this season and enacted some revenge after eliminating Bayern in the quarter-final of the competition. Now, though, Manchester City stands between them and a second successive Champions League final.

The Cityzens themselves have also often flattered to deceive in Europe. The last time they reached the semi-final of the Champions League was in the 2015/16 season under Manuel Pellegrini and this is the first time they’ve reached the last four under Pep Guardiola.

That makes the stakes even higher in Wednesday’s match. PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino was in charge of Tottenham when they lost to Liverpool in the 2018 final , and the Argentine is now aiming to lead PSG to the Holy Grail.

Talent-wise, both teams are evenly matched, although Manchester City have been the more consistent side. The Cityzens are fresh from winning the Carabao Cup, having beaten Tottenham in the final on Sunday.

The English side has no injury problems ahead of the game. Kevin De Brunye has also returned to full fitness and is expected to start against PSG.

Meanwhile, the Parisians are currently sweating over the fitness of Kylian Mbappe. The 22-year-old scored twice against Metz over the weekend but limped off in the 87th minute with what looked like a tight injury.

PSG are, however, hopeful that Mbappe will recover in time for the game against Manchester City. Meanwhile, Neymar will also be a major threat for the Ligue 1 side.

Surprisingly, the bookmakers are tipping Guardiola’s side as favourites. As at the time of writing this article, Betika prices Manchester City at 2.15 to win while PSG is priced at 3.30 for a victory. A draw is also priced at 3.75.

The boys have finally been separated from the men in the UEFA Champions League, with some mouthwatering first-leg semi-final matches scheduled for midweek.

Real Madrid will welcome Chelsea to the Alfredo di Stefano Stadium on Tuesday night, as the Blancos aim to win a record-extending 14th European crown.

Zinedine Zidane’s side hasn’t been impressive in recent weeks but the manner in which they saw off Liverpool in the quarter-final points to a side that cannot be underestimated whatsoever.

Chelsea, though, are still revelling in an upturn in fortunes under Thomas Tuchel. Since becoming manager in January, the German has lost just two matches, leading the Blues to 16 clean sheets in 21 matches.

Under Tuchel, Chelsea have become more solid defensively and rarely concede goals. That means Real Madrid would have to be at their best to defeat the English side.

The irony, though, is that the Blancos are also currently struggling to score goals. Real Madrid have failed to score in three of their last four matches, including Saturday’s dull goalless draw against Real Betis in La Liga.

However, on a good day, the likes of Karim Benzema and Vinicius Jr can wreak havoc. Real Madrid have also been boosted by the return of Eden Hazard, who featured against Real Betis over the weekend.

Raphael Verane, Dani Carvajal and Marco Asensio are also fit and will be expected to start against the Blues on Tuesday.

On Chelsea’s side, there are no fresh injuries apart from Mateo Kovacic who is yet to recover from a hamstring injury. Everyone else is fit and ready to face Real Madrid.

As at the time of writing this article, Betika prices Real Madrid at 2.40 to win the first-leg semi-final while Chelsea has an odd of 3.30 to upset the hosts by winning. Meanwhile, a draw is priced at 3.25.                              

The biggest game in England this week will see Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City lock horns in the final of the Carabao Cup at Wembley Stadium.

Expectations are at an all-time time, as there’ll be a lot at stake. This is also an opportunity for either side to win their first trophy of the season. For a side like Tottenham who haven’t won any major silverware for almost two decades, this means everything.

Spurs fired Jose Mourinho earlier in the week due to a series of underwhelming results. The North London outfit started the season in fantastic form under the Portuguese but things quickly fell apart.

With Ryan Mason taking temporary charge, it remains to be seen how they’ll fare against the high-flying Manchester City on Sunday.

Pep Guardiola’s side is also desperate for a trophy following their disappointing exit from the FA Cup at the hands of Chelsea. The Cityzens were on course to win the quadruple but they’ve been wobbling in recent weeks.

Recent defeats to Chelsea and Leeds United have given Manchester City a reality check while rivals Manchester United are also closing in hard in the Premier League title race.

However, Manchester City are still perhaps the best team in Europe at the moment. They’ve lost just three matches since November and are looking stronger than ever.

Guardiola’s side will be missing the services of Kevin De Brunye, who is currently injured. Meanwhile, Sergio Aguero is also a major doubt after picking up a knock last week.

For Tottenham, though, Mason has a fit squad at his disposal, although captain Harry Kane will face a late test to determine his fitness. Mason, 29, became the youngest manager in Premier League history when he led Spurs to a 2-1 win over Southampton last week.

Betika prices Manchester City at 1.50 to emerge victorious, while Tottenham is priced at 6.20 to win, as at the time of writing this article. A draw, though, is priced at 5.00.

Manchester United have been a different beast since returning from the March international break. The Red Devils have won each of their last five matches in all competitions.

They have also qualified for the semi-final of the Europa League after beating Granada home and away. On Sunday, though, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side will have Leeds United to contend with.

This fixture used to be one of the biggest on the English football calendar until Leeds were relegated over a decade and a half ago. However, the Peacocks have made a buoyant return to the Premier League.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side has been a revelation this season, with their all-attacking and energetic displays catching the eye of every neutral. The Peacocks have also been in imperious form in recent weeks and haven’t tasted defeat in any of their last five league matches.

Leeds’ form against the ‘Big Six’ is also very impressive. They’ve already beaten Everton, Leicester City and Manchester City while holding Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool to a draw.

Such impressive results mean that they will be no pushovers against Manchester United. However, the Reds can take solace from the last time they faced Leeds.

Solskjaer’s side thrashed their rivals 6-2 at Old Trafford earlier this season, a result that came as a shock to many. As the two teams prepare to face each other again, Sunday’s match is expected to be a tighter encounter.

For the first time in many months, Manchester United have had a full week to rest and will be looking fresh for the game. The Reds also have no new injuries, with Eric Bailly being the only player missing due to his bout with COVID-19.

Meanwhile, Leeds also boast a fit squad, although skipper Liam Cooper will not feature due to his red card against Manchester City.

As of the time of writing this article, Betika prices Manchester United at 1.83 to win, while Leeds have a winning price of 4.10. A draw is also priced at 4.20.