For its first very big European test of the season on the pitch of Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain presents itself in England with newfound certainties and above all a complete squad. After a few days of rest granted by the medical staff, Ousmane Dembélé and Nuno Mendes resumed collective training on Tuesday evening on the pitch at the Etihad Stadium without feeling the slightest physical discomfort.
It is therefore with a squad prepared to the nines that Luis Enrique will be able to compose his starting eleven to face the team led by Enzo Maresca. In defensethe European champions will align their best assets. In front of Matvey Safonov, the line of four will be made up of Achraf Hakimi on the right, captain Marquinhos associated with the robust Willian Pacho in the central axis, and Nuno Mendes to lock down the left lane while bringing his speed in transitions.
The main question lies in the midfield. If the presence of Vitinha as the hub and that of Fabian Ruiz as relay seems to leave no doubt, the last folding seat raises questions. According to RMC and L’Équipe, Warren Zaire-Emery is more than ever in direct competition with Joao Neves. Although the young Portuguese was a regular starter at the start of the season, he has stalled slightly physically in recent weeks.
Ferran Torres will start on the bench
Conversely, the French international has a string of convincing performances and benefits from the renewed confidence of his coach, which could tip the scales in his favor at kick-off.
On the offensive level, Paris will align its strong men. The trio will be made up of Désiré Doué on the right wing, Ousmane Dembélé playing in a very free axial role as a free electron or false number 9, and the Georgian Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to strike on the left side. And too bad for Ferran Torres who will sit on the bench at kick-off.
Probable composition of PSG:
Safonov – Hakimi, Marquinhos (cap.), Pacho, N. Mendes – Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, F. Ruiz – Kvaratskhelia, Dembélé, Doué.
