PSG predicted lineup vs AC Milan - Champions League
- PSG in need of points against Milan after falling to defeat at Newcastle
- Ligue 1 giants eased past Borussia Dortmund on matchday one to leave them second in Group F
- Luis Enrique rested a couple of potential starters against Strasbourg at the weekend
Given Luis Enrique's nature as an obsessive over control, his decision to adopt a 4-2-4 at St. James' Park was utterly baffling.
Paris Saint-Germain's start under the Spaniard has generally been promising, but their trip to Tyneside was an unmitigated disaster thanks to Enrique's courageous naivety. The French side were completely overwhelmed in midfield by a rampant Newcastle, who ran out 4-1 victors.
As a result, the Magpies top the vaunted Group F and PSG need a win on Wednesday if they're to keep pace with the Premier League club. A winless Milan come to town following two draws in their opening two group fixtures, and here's the starting XI Enrique could pick for the game.
PSG predicted lineup vs Milan (4-3-3)
GK: Gianluigi Donnarumma - The Italian enjoyed a peaceful outing at the weekend, but he'll likely be a little busier against his former club on Wednesday.
RB: Achraf Hakimi - Given a rest by Enrique on Saturday, Hakimi will definitely come back into the side and match up against Rafael Leao.
CB: Milan Skriniar - Skriniar also earned a rest against Strasbourg and will be expected to come back into the team to provide cover for the marauding Hakimi.
CB: Marquinhos - The Brazilian had a wretched outing against Newcastle, but PSG's leader is a shoo-in for this one. He'll relish the physical duel with Olivier Giroud.
LB: Lucas Hernandez - Lucas will face off against younger brother Theo on Wednesday night. The older Hernandez opened his Champions League account on Matchday 2 against the Magpies.
CM: Manuel Ugarte - Enrique has to opt for stability in the middle of the park, even if there's less scope for Milan to overwhelm Les Parisiens. Ugarte should return to the side after playing no part on Saturday.
CM: Vitinha - The slight Portuguese star is blossoming into a star and his omission from the starting XI at St. James' Park was certainly a surprise. His substitution on Saturday should mean he's primed for another start in midweek.
CM: Warren Zaire-Emery - The 17-year-old was one of very few PSG stars who left Newcastle with a crumb of respect intact. He was excellent. After missing the weekend's game, Enrique could thrust Zaire-Emery back into the side right away.
RW: Ousmane Dembele - Enrique's still waiting for Dembele to ignite in Paris. There have been flashes, no doubt, but Dembele needs a big game for his PSG career to come to life.
ST: Goncalo Ramos - It's a toss-up between Ramos and Randal Kolo Muani. In Enrique's system, the more imposing Ramos is arguably the better fit for the #9 role.
LW: Kylian Mbappe - The French superstar will be determined to lead PSG to victory against Milan after adding to his Ligue 1 goal tally at the weekend.
READ THE LATEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE NEWS, PREVIEWS & RATINGS HERE
feed