Second in Group F of the Champions League with 3 points, Paris Saint-Germain will have no room for error on Wednesday evening against AC Milan. Under pressure after the debacle experienced in Newcastle before the international break, the reigning French champion knows he is expected. Just like his coach Luis Enrique, widely criticized for his starting lineup against the Magpies. If the Spanish technician has, once again, made a name for himself this weekend, with daring but ultimately winning choices against the Strasbourg team, his ideas will still have to pay off against the Rossoneri to avoid compromising qualification for the round of 16 of the most prestigious European competition.
An environment at the center of questions
Opposed to the current second in Serie A, who also needs to win with only two points collected so far, the Asturian coach will nevertheless be spoiled for choice for his starting XI, in different sectors . If the Parisian defense should logically be made up of Lucas Hernandez, Milan Skriniar, Marquinhos and Achraf Hakimi, the first puzzle arises for the midfield. However, it remains to be seen whether the former La Roja coach will opt for a two- or three-man environment. In the first formula, Warren Zaire-Emery, injured and left to rest against the Alsatians, and Manuel Ugarte could then start, sacrificing Vitinha. In the other configuration, the former Porto player should probably start but the options are numerous.
Thus, Kang-in Lee, right winger against the RCSA and praised by his coach, remains a serious candidate to start against Olivier Giroud’s gang. For his part, Fabian Ruiz seems to be a step behind but could also constitute an alternative, moreover after his last convincing performance. In attack, the debate rages just as much and the dilemmas are numerous for Luis Enrique. If Kylian Mbappé is already assured of having a starting place, he is the only one. Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembélé, Randal Kolo Muani, Gonçalo Ramos, as well as Kang-in Lee are, as such, all possible options to accompany the former Monegasque striker. With this in mind, the number 9 position has not yet found its indisputable employee.
Who to accompany Kylian Mbappé?
Under fire from critics and currently going through a difficult period, both at club and national level, Kolo Muani has regularly seen Ramos pass him in front of him in recent weeks. Yes but now, against Strasbourg, the Portuguese did not particularly shine and, once again, showed his limits in a system where he is very rarely found. If the debate therefore remains open for the leading attacker, the enigma is also significant for the one who will occupy the right flank. In a favorable vote, Ousmane Dembélé is still not unanimous in the capital and if Luis Enrique does not seem “worried about the French international figures”, author of only two assists since the start of the season, Kang-in Lee and Bradley Barcola have a real card to play. More than the players, the last piece of the puzzle, and not the least, remains the tactical system that Luis Enrique will decide to put in place.
While PSG attacks with four attackers, alternating 3-3-4 with 3-2-5 depending on the height at which the opponent presses, in recent times the former FC Barcelona technician could, this time Here, favor a three-way midfield before solidifying possession and protecting yourself from rival counter-attacks. Criticized after Newcastle where the duo composed of Zaire-Emery and Ugarte took on water at St James’ Park, the 53-year-old Spaniard will necessarily be keen to rely on some certainties against the semi-finalist of the last League champions. However, be wary because if the clash against AC Milan is of a capital nature, the person concerned shines today with his ability to surprise, no offense to the press. Answer, around 9 p.m., next Wednesday…
