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Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain will look to build on their 7-0 thumping of Pays de Cassel last time out with another victory over Stade Reims.
Christophe Galtier went very strong for that game against the sixth-tier side and so will expect no drop-off in performance as they look to return to winning ways in the league. A run of two defeats in their last three games is about as bad as it gets for PSG, and the boss won’t allow that streak to continue.
Here’s how he could set up.
GK: Gianluigi Donnarumma – Having firmly fought off competition from Keylor Navas this season, Donnarumma may not have that sort of competition for much longer.
CB: Danilo Pereira – Presnel Kimpembe and Nordi Mukiele are both expected to be unavailable so it could be another defensive run-out for Danilo.
CB: Sergio Ramos – The veteran defender has looked solid this season under Galtier and benefits from being in a three-man defence.
CB: Marquinhos – There may be debates about the vice-captain but Marquinhos’ ownership of the armband is under no threat.
RM: Achraf Hakimi – Perhaps the best in the world in this position, Hakimi’s place is definitely safe now that Mukiele is out.
CM: Vitinha – Only five players have managed more minutes this season for PSG than Vitinha, and none of them are midfielders.
CM: Fabian Ruiz – Marco Verratti is back in training but may not be ready to start just yet, meaning Fabian could get another run-out.
LM: Nuno Mendes – Injuries have limited Mendes’ involvement this season but he managed half of the cup game last time out and may get another start here.
AM: Neymar – The Brazilian is actually on a four-game scoring drought in Ligue 1. It’s the first time since October 2021 that he has gone so long without finding the back of the net in the league.
ST: Lionel Messi – Rested for the Pays de Cassel mauling, Messi will glide back into the starting lineup for this one.
ST: Kylian Mbappe – Fresh off becoming the first player in PSG history to score five goals in a single game, Mbappe will look to steal the show once again.
Planet League’s Rich Holmes & Sustainable Clarets’ Cat Jebson join Shebahn Aherne to have football’s climate conversation ahead of Green Football Weekend. If you can’t see this embed, click here to listen to the podcast!
