PSG predicted lineup vs Saint Etienne - Ligue 1
By Max Parsons
Paris Saint-Germain will look to get back on track when they host Saint Etienne in Ligue 1 on Saturday night.
Les Parisiens will have to bounce back from their second league defeat of the season in which they were shocked as Nantes ran out 3-1 winners. Mauricio Pochettino's side, however, remain well clear at the Ligue 1 summit, boasting a 13-point cushion.
They face a Saint Etienne side that has enjoyed an upturn in form of late but still sit just one point above the relegation zone. Here's how the Ligue 1 leaders could line up.
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK) - Has been kept out of the side for PSG's two previous league matches but should be drafted back in after their defeat last time out.
Achraf Hakimi (RB) - No doubt who the best right back at PSG is - Hakimi should definitely return to start on the right of defence.
Marquinhos (CB) - Scored a brace against this opposition in the reverse fixture - don't expect a repeat.
Presnel Kimpembe (CB) - Sergio Ramos continues his recovery from a calf issue, so Kimpembe's starting role is safe for now.
Nuno Mendes (LB) - Should be given a start for this one, having been used as a substitute in the side's previous two league outings.
2. Midfielders
Idrissa Gueye (CM) - The recent AFCON champion should start in the middle of what will be a depleted midfield.
Danilo Pereira (CM) - Leandro Paredes is an expected absentee for PSG, so Pereira could be the one to fill that presence at the heart of the side.
Georginio Wijnaldum (CM) - Should be set for a second successive start as Marco Verratti serves a suspension.
3. Forwards
Lionel Messi (RF) - The magician will undoubtedly start up top, having assisted in each of his previous four Ligue 1 appearances - in which time he's scored once.
Kylian Mbappe (ST) - The absolute star of the show for his side this campaign, with 22 goals and 16 assists across all competitions to his name.
Neymar (LF) - Marked his return from injury with an assist against Real Madrid before notching his first league goal since early November last time out - long may it continue.
