PSG predicted lineup vs Real Madrid - Champions League
By Tom Gott
PSG will host Real Madrid at the Parc des Princes in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie on Tuesday night, marking Lionel Messi's first clash against Los Blancos not in a Barcelona shirt.
Mauricio Pochettino's men come into this on a run of four wins in their last five games, but they needed a 93rd minute winner from Kylian Mbappe to seal victory at home to Rennes last time out.
The boss will be awaiting updates on winger Neymar, who is back in training after three months out with an ankle injury.
Here's how Pochettino could set up...
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK) - Benched at the weekend (again), expect the Italian to start this one.
Achraf Hakimi (RB) - The former Real man has a point to prove, recently admitting that he never believed Los Blancos had faith in him.
Marquinhos (CB) - The club captain has been discussing his desire to extend his contract, which will provide a welcome boost.
Presnel Kimpembe (CB) - Sergio Ramos is carrying an injury and will miss this one, so the home-grown hero should start.
Nuno Mendes (LB) - Juan Bernat's experience will be tempting for Pochettino, but Mendes is both the present and the future for this team.
2. Midfielders
Leandro Paredes (DM) - Idrissa Gueye will start on the bench after returning from AFCON but he'll do well to displace Paredes, who has impressed recently.
Marco Verratti (CM) - The star of this midfield, Verratti's big-game experience will be crucial to PSG's chances of victory.
Danilo (CM) - Has been enjoying a purple patch in front of goal, netting three times in his last two games.
3. Forwards
Angel Di Maria (RW) - The former Real man is a steady stream of goals and assists. Has the qualities needed for a game like this.
Lionel Messi (ST) - Ligue 1 goals have been hard to come by for Messi, but he's got five in five in the Champions League. As the leading scorer in El Clasico history, his ability to net against Real is not in doubt.
Kylian Mbappe (LW) - All eyes will be on Mbappe as he goes up against what is widely expected to be his future employers.