Manchester City has quite a task in slowing the electric attack of Paris Saint-Germain, but a Frenchman’s going to help stop the Parisians.
Eliaquim Mangala, 25, will have to be a big part of keeping PSG clear of the danger areas, especially with Yaya Toure out for City.
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PSG is loaded with attacking options, from superstars Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani to Angel Di Maria and Javier Pastore.
Mangala’s not too bothered by it.
From MCFC.com:“I respect Ibrahimovic and Cavani but they don’t scare me.
‘‘Paris is a big team in Europe that has project and is progressing. It’s a big match for us tomorrow.”
City manager Manuel Pellegrini says Joe Hart will be back, and that could help Mangala.
If Man City is to stop PSG, it will need big performances from flashy attackers Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero, players who can keep the Parisian midfielder honest.
It will also need a massive game from Mangala, whether he’s paired with Nicolas Otamendi or Martin Demichelis.
If City gets both of those things, and some timely saves from Hart, the Premier Leaguers can progress to the semis. It all starts with a hunt for road goals Wednesday in France.