Paris Saint-Germain are looking to move one step closer towards qualification to the knockout rounds as they take on RB Leipzig on Wednesday. The Ligue 1 giants are leading Group A with seven points in three matches. They will have the opportunity to potentially gain the upper hand over second-placed Manchester City with another win this midweek.
Predicted PSG Lineup Vs RB Leipzig
Defence
Mauricio Pochettino made a couple of notable defensive changes in the weekend game against LOSC Lille. But with Achraf Hakimi back from suspension, he remains a favourite to replace Thilo Kehrer at right-back.
Nuno Mendes, too, should walk in as the replacement for Juan Bernat on the opposite flank, giving PSG some considerable firepower in the wider defensive position. It does mean they could become vulnerable during an offensive stance, which is certainly not a good idea against a Leipzig team that can expertly counter the opposition defences.
In central defence, Sergio Ramos remains out on the sidelines, which should see Marquinhos and Presnel Kimpembe form the heart of the four-man PSG backline. There should be no changes in goal either given the way Gianluigi Donnarumma performed in the weekend game against Lille.
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Midfield
In midfield, Marco Verratti remains out after picking up a fresh injury lately. Pochettino, nevertheless, may want to opt for a shift in formation and revert to a 4-2-3-1.
Gini Wijnaldum was given a rare start in the last game. But the Dutchman may have to settle for a place on the bench once again, with Pochettino likely to go with the double-pivot of Idrissa Gueye and Ander Herrera. Leandro Pares is another option, should PSG opt for brute force in midfield while Danilo Pereira is a more proficient defensive midfielder.
Attack
The shift in formation should allow Lionel Messi to operate in his preferred number ten role. The Argentine had picked up a knock against Lille but should be fit to start against Leipzig this midweek.
Kylian Mbappe should return from his knock as well, spearheading the PSG frontline, with the additional creative support of Neymar and Angel Di Maria, who put in a match-winning performance in the last game.
Di Maria, Messi and Neymar’s understanding could be critical in taking apart the Leipzig defence while the pace of Mbappe could cause further problems for the opposition.
