PSG predicted lineup vs Man City – Champions League
Paris Saint-Germain welcome Man City to the Parc des Princes on Tuesday night looking to strike a significant blow in Group A.
The wounds from PSG’s Champions League semi-final exit to City last season will still be raw, while their hopes of topping the group this time around have already been dented after drawing with Club Brugge on the opening matchday.
Two positive bits of news for PSG are that they are in great form domestically – after winning their eighth match out of eight on Saturday – and Lionel Messi should also feature, having returned to training.
Here’s how Mauricio Pochettino could set his side up.
Keylor Navas (GK) – The former Real Madrid stopper was expected to lose his place to summer arrival Gianluigi Donnarumma but his performances this season have forced Pochettino into a rethink.
Achraf Hakimi (RB) – The Moroccan has made an instant impact in the French capital.
Marquinhos (CB) – A commanding presence at the heart of the PSG backline.
Presnel Kimpembe (CB) – The Frenchman will need to be at his best to thwart a dangerous Man City attack.
Abdou Diallo (LB) – The 25-year-old has enjoyed an impressive campaign and he will relish the task of stifling Riyad Mahrez.
Idrissa Gueye (CM) – Gueye’s energy will be vital against a Man City side who will be keen to move the ball quickly.
Leandro Paredes (CM) – The Argentine will anchor PSG in midfield and his use of the ball will be key.
Ander Herrera (CM) – Georginio Wijnaldum hasn’t quite lived up to expectations at PSG so far with Herrera expected to retain his place.
Lionel Messi (RW) – PSG have been given a boost with the Argentine’s return to full training and it could be the evening he truly arrives at PSG.
Kylian Mbappe (ST) – The Frenchman has been in impressive form this term and his pace could be the deciding factor against Man City.
Neymar (LW) – The 29-year-old tends to relish Champions League games of this magnitude and it will be interesting to see how he links with Messi against such high-quality opposition.