While the new-look format was widely criticised in some quarters, there are some major teams in jeopardy heading into the penultimate round of first-stage fixtures. Man City are one of those, having endured a difficult campaign thus far.
Pep Guardiola’s side would have been among the favourites to win the competition outright before a ball was kicked this season but are sat 24th in the Champions League table heading into tonight’s huge clash at Paris Saint-Germain.
The top eight, of course, will qualify for the round of 16 automatically and teams placed ninth to 24th will have to go through an extra two-legged knockout stage next month.
It is a huge fixture with so much on the line, so here’s a look at the Champions League permutations for Man City…
What do Man City need to qualify for knockout stages?
Finishing in the top eight looks almost impossible for City, they must simply beat PSG and then Club Brugge to stand any chance of avoiding a play-off spot.
If Man City beat PSG: A play-off spot should be almost guaranteed, while slim hopes of a top-eight finish will remain alive.
If Man City draw with PSG: Kiss goodbye to an automatic play-off spot and pressure mounts on beating Brugge to confirm a play-off place.
If Man City lose to PSG: There will be a very real threat of dropping out of Europe altogether, with no safety net of the Europa League, with victory over Brugge a non-negotiable.
