PSG predicted lineup vs Club Brugge - Champions League
By Max Parsons
Paris Saint-Germain round off their 2021/22 Champions League group stage by hosting Club Brugge on Tuesday evening.
Mauricio Pochettino's men head into the contest guaranteed of a place in the knockout phase with second spot in Group A confirmed. A draw against RB Leipzig and a defeat to Manchester City last time out made sure that they weren't able to top the group.
The Parisians are unbeaten in three outings, though they've continued to underwhelm and ultimately disappoint in a 3-1 win over Saint-Etienne and recent draws with Nice and RC Lens.
On Tuesday they'll face a Brugge side who still hold intentions of continuing their European journey this campaign. Sitting level on points with Leipzig at the bottom of Group A, Philippe Clement can still guide his team into the Europa League via a third-placed finish.
Here's who Pochettino could field to get the job done.
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK) - After Keylor Navas' blunder against Lens, Donnarumma surely regains his place for this one.
Achraf Hakimi (RB) - One of the few PSG players to have consistently performed, Hakimi has featured for his side more than any other player this campaign.
Marquinhos (CB) - The captain is a pivotal presence at the heart of defence and will likely continue to skipper the team in this one.
Tilo Kehrer (CB) - With nothing to actually play for, Pochettino could opt for some rotation, potentially leaving the door open for Kehrer to secure a 15th appearance this term.
Nuno Mendes (LB) - Juan Bernat was just a bit boring when venturing upfield last time out so the fans will definitely want to see the exciting Mendes take his place.
2. Midfielders
Not the result we came for, but very happy to be able to play again and score the equalizer ✊??? pic.twitter.com/cIvOR7dayU
— Gini Wijnaldum (@GWijnaldum) December 4, 2021
Leandro Paredes (CM) - Will always battle hard for the team, consistently proving a destructive figure at the heart of midfield.
Idrissa Gueye (CM) - Enjoying a good individual season so far and, after improving the team following his introduction in Danilo's place last time out, should be set for a fifth Champions League appearance of the campaign.
Georginio Wijnaldum (CM) - A heroic last gasp goal secured a point at Lens at the weekend, surely earning him a start here.
3. Forwards
Lionel Messi (RW) - Pochettino may have his fitness in mind, but Messi's creativity will be central if PSG are to put an end to what is becoming a depressing run of form.
Mauro Icardi (ST) - Neither he nor Angel Di Maria deserves to retain their place after PSG's last outing but, with Neymar absent, one of them will.
Kylian Mbappe (LW) - The main man this campaign, Mbappe's stunning assist last time out took his season's tally to 21 goal involvements in 20 appearances across all competitions.