Paris Saint-Germain predicted lineup vs Lyon - Ligue 1
By Max Parsons
Paris Saint-Germain get back to Ligue 1 action on Sunday night, travelling to Lyon for their first league fixture after the winter break.
Mauricio Pochettino's side were looking better and better leading up to Christmas, although concluded the first half of their campaign with a characteristically dreary, uninspiring and desperately disappointing 1-1 draw with relegation-threatened Lorient. They did react well with a mauling of minnows Vannes in the Coupe de France, but this is a whole different matter.
The boss' squad has been hampered by African Cup of Nations call-ups and a number of Covid-enforced isolations, but PSG still have plenty of superstars waiting for the call.
Here's how PSG could line up.
1. Goalkeeper & Defenders
Keylor Navas (GK) - Gianluigi Donnarumma will be absent after a positive Covid-19 result, so Navas should be confident of taking up the number one spot for this one.
Colin Dagba (RB) - Achraf Hakimi is away at the African Cup of Nations, so Dagba could step in on the right side of defence.
Marquinhos (CB) - Undeniably one of this club's most crucial assets, the Brazilian centre back is set for a sixth consecutive Ligue 1 start here.
Presnel Kimpembe (CB) - Continually progressing into a top-class central defender, Kimpembe should retain his place alongside the skipper despite Sergio Ramos' return from suspension.
Juan Bernat (LB) - Seems to be favoured for league matters rather than the vibrant Nuno Mendes.
2. Midfielders
Georginio Wijnaldum (CM) - In truth, he doesn't really look all that comfortable or energised in a PSG shirt but he will likely continue his run of league starts here.
Leandro Paredes (CM) - A warrior-like presence in midfield, Paredes is the obvious choice to anchor the side - particularly in the absence of both Danilo Paredes (Covid-19) and Idrissa Gueye (AFCON).
Marco Verratti (CM) - On his day, there are very few better midfielders in the game.
3. Forwards
Lionel Messi (RW) - His recently-returned negative Covid-19 result means the magician will be available for his side's clash with Lyon.
Mauro Icardi (ST) - Angel Di Maria's Covid-19-enforced absence and Neymar's continued injury woes will give Icardi another start here.
Kylian Mbappe (LW) - Paris' sweetheart, Paris' talisman, Paris' hero - until he leaves for Real Madrid. Mbappe is fresh from notching a hat-trick to bring his season's tally to 18 goals and 15 assists in 25 appearances across all competitions - he'll probably start.