5 reasons why PSG could struggle against Manchester City | UEFA Champions League 2021-22

#3 Potential rift between Neymar and Kylian Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe (left) was livid at Neymar recently

If you've been following the news lately, then reports of a potential rift between PSG starts Neymar and Kylian Mbappe have been doing the rounds.

Apparently, the Frenchman was caught complaining to Idrissa Gueye on the bench after his substitution in the match to Montpellier about Neymar not passing to him. He also used a derogatory term for the Brazilian, who assisted Draxler for PSG's second goal, indicating that the 22-year-old was really annoyed at Neymar.

Although both players have remained mum about the incident, media speculation of a possible rift between the players ahead of a big European night isn't doing them any good.

Moreover, Mbappe is currently on his worst streak in front of goal in two years. He has failed to score in four consecutive appearances for the first time since September 2019.

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#2 Lionel Messi may not start for PSG

Lionel Messi is likely to start on the bench

As important as it is for him to start the match, Lionel Messi may only be named on the PSG bench against City.

According to reports, the Argentine ace has returned to training from a bone bruise that kept him out of PSG's win over Montpellier last weekend. PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino sounded hopeful in his pre-match press conference when asked about Messi's situation.

Nevertheless, he may not want to risk the ex-Barcelona great, considering a congested list of upcoming fixtures as well as the international break is coming up.

That would certainly be a big loss for PSG, as Messi boasts an incredible record against Man City. He has scored six goals against them in six clashes, including a stunning Camp Nou hat-trick in 2016.

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#1 Manchester City's solid defence

City have conceded only five times since their opening-day loss to Tottenham Hotspur.

PSG's lack of attacking firepower is just one part of the problem. The other is Manchester City's solid defence. Yes, they conceded thrice against RB Leipzig, with hat-trick hero Christopher Nkunku running riot. But that surely won't happen all the time, will it?

Barring that crazy game, the Sky Blues have only conceded twice in six games since their opening day loss to Tottenham Hotspur. Even the mighty Chelsea were blanked out on Saturday.

Although John Stones will only be returning from an injury this week, Manchester City have benefitted from the stoic partnership of Aymeric Laporte and Ruben Dias. The likes of Ederson and Rodri have also been immensely impressive.

It seems PSG aren't going to have it any easier scoring against City this time.