Which eleven for PSG against Manchester City?

Solid leader of Ligue 1, Paris Saint-Germain confirmed its national supremacy during the 18th day. After its stunning victory (2-1) against RC Lens, the capital club is now 9 points ahead of Olympique de Marseille, held in check by Strasbourg, and 14 units more than LOSC, scorers of OGC Nice. Yes, but like every season, the Rouge et Bleu will mainly be judged on the European scene and that's where the problem lies. As we write these lines, the reigning French champions are in a worrying 25th place, synonymous with direct elimination.

Marquinhos back?

More than ever under pressure before receiving Manchester City, back in form after a huge crisis of results, PSG – who will travel to Stuttgart on the final day – will therefore have to find the necessary resources to raise their heads and snatch the dams. A very important meeting for the Ile-de-France club, author of two victories, a draw and three defeats since the start of its epic. After giving his men a day of rest and at a time when internal discourse aims to play down the consequences of an early elimination, Luis Enrique will have to answer a central question: who will be the protagonists of this momentous shock?

Worried by increased competition from Matvey Safonov in recent months, Gianluigi Donnarumma – starter in the last six L1 matches – should indeed start this meeting against the Citizens. In defense, some doubts remain. If Achraf Hakimi, preserved against the Blood and Gold, and Nuno Mendes are logically expected in the Parisian corridors, the state of form of Marquinhos is of concern. Affected in the adductor and absent during the last two L1 matches, the Brazilian is said to have recovered and is therefore applying for a starting place alongside the ever-present Willian Pacho. However, with the return to form of Lucas Hernandez, Luis Enrique could also decide to trust the former Bavarian to replace the usual Ile-de-France captain.

What attack?

In midfield, Vitinha and Joao Neves, best passer in the French championship with 7 goals, are widely expected to start against the Skyblues. To support the two Portuguese in the midfield, the final choice of Luis Enrique remains to be known between Fabián Ruiz (4 starts in C1 since the start of the season) and the young Warren Zaire-Emery (5 starts but substitute against Salzburg) . The greatest uncertainties ultimately concern the offensive sector. Brilliant against Espaly (a goal, an assist) before doing it again against the Lensois (a goal, an assist), Bradley Barcola should logically lead the left lane of the Parisian attack. Victim of a bad flu and left to rest for the trip to Lens, Ousmane Dembélé is also logically expected.

In any case, this is the current trend. However, be wary because if the former Barcelona player is not sufficiently recovered, the former La Roja coach could opt for the Désiré Doué solution in order to compensate for the absence of the 2018 world champion. Finally, at the number 9 position – or false number 9 – Gonçalo Ramos and Kang-In Lee should fight for the last ticket, unless Luis Enrique surprises everyone by relaunching Marco Asensio. One thing is certain, without Randal Kolo Muani, in the process of joining Juve, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, unavailable for these last two matches of the League phase, Paris Saint-Germain will not have the right to make mistakes, risks seeing his European adventure end prematurely…