After a two-week break, PSG returns to domestic affairs this Saturday. At 9:05 p.m., the Ile-de-France residents challenge Claude Puel’s OGC Nice away. A meeting that the French champions will approach with a largely overhauled eleven and a few last minute surprises.
So, certainly, Paris has the wind in its sails after its impressive qualification in C1 against Chelsea (8-2 over the two matches), but the management of the workforce requires strong choices. If many absentees were already recorded, the Parisian staff decided to push caution to the limit regarding its executives.
Ousmane Dembélé preserved, a readjusted environment
Luis Enrique must cope without five key elements of his usual system. In addition to the absences of Barcola, Ndjantou and Ruiz in the infirmary, there is the suspension of Achraf Hakimi and the withdrawal of Joao Neves. But the sensation of the evening comes from the sidelines: Ousmane Dembélé is not started. The capital club is now extremely cautious with its French international, favoring his physical freshness for upcoming events.
This choice leads to a game of musical chairs. Contrary to early predictions, Warren Zaire-Emery returns to his natural position in midfield alongside Vitinha and Kang-In Lee. It is therefore the young Senny Mayulu who is propelled a notch higher to occupy a place in the attacking trio, proof of the growing confidence of the Asturian technician towards his titis.
Nuno Mendes very present, an unprecedented defense
Behind, the surprise is more positive: while a complete rest was anticipated, Nuno Mendes finally holds his place in the left lane. Lucas Hernandez is also lined up, which allows the coach to stabilize his wings despite the absence of Hakimi. The central hinge, for its part, will be made up of the Zabarnyi – Pacho duo, while captain Marquinhos is left to rest to breathe.
In attack, the right flank will be occupied by Désiré Doué, while Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will lead the left side. Without a real professional number 9 at kick-off, PSG is banking on mobility and creativity to break through the Nice barrier. Despite these numerous defections and the resting of Dembélé, Paris maintains the ambition to regain the place of leader of Ligue 1 at the expense of Lens.
The official PSG eleven:
Safonov – Zabarnyi, Pacho, Lucas Hernandez, Nuno Mendes – Zaire-Emery, Vitinha (cap), Kang-In Lee – Doué, Mayulu, Kvaratskhelia.
