90min

PSG predicted lineup vs Club Brugge - Champions League

By Matt O'Connor-Simpson

PSG will be aiming to get off to a strong start
PSG will be aiming to get off to a strong start / John Berry/Getty Images
facebooktwitterreddit

Paris Saint-Germain will be aiming to go all the way in the Champions League this season and their campaign kicks off against Club Brugge on Wednesday.

PSG have made a perfect start to domestic life, winning each of their opening five Ligue 1 games.

This is where their season really begins though, with Mauricio Pochettino expected to bring home the trophy. Here is what his first starting XI should look like.

1. Goalkeeper & defenders

Achraf Hakimi
Hakimi should have plenty of chances to push forward / John Berry/Getty Images

Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK) - There was some suggestion that Keylor Navas might play ahead of Donnarumma in the Champions League, and while that may be true once PSG have qualified, the Italian should retain the number one jersey for now.

Achraf Hakimi (RB) - Hakimi will be relishing the prospect of playing against weakened opposition. With his defensive responsibilities set to be minimal, he will be able to push on, which he does so effectively. His overlapping runs could be key in unlocking the Club Brugge defence.

Presnel Kimpembe (CB) - After a disappointing Euro 2020 with France, Kimpembe will be hopeful of a trophy-laden season with PSG.

Marquinhos (CB) - Released early from international duty with Brazil, Marquinhos played at the weekend and is now set to make his 66th Champions League appearance on Wednesday.

Nuno Mendes (LB) - Layvin Kurzawa is still injured and although Abdou Diallo has been deputising well, it could be time to introduce the exciting Nuno Mendes to the starting XI.

2. Midfielders

Georginio Wijnaldum
Wijnaldum should have more attacking freedom at PSG / John Berry/Getty Images

Danilo Pereira (CM) - Idrissa Gueye is suspended following the red card he picked up in last season's semi-final defeat to Manchester City. As a result, the equally destructive Danilo will be playing at the base of his side's midfield.

Ander Herrera (CM) - Herrera comes into this one in good form, bagging a first-half brace in PSG's win over Clermont Foot last time out.

Georginio Wijnaldum (CM) - With Danilo there to do most of PSG's defensive work, Wijnaldum should be able to push forward more regularly this season. He excelled in a similar role in the Euros and we are excited to see how he fares.

3. Forwards

Neymar Jr
Neymar will return after international duty / John Berry/Getty Images

Neymar (RW) - After being afforded some rest following his international excursions, Neymar will be desperate to get back among the goals against Club Brugge.

Lionel Messi (ST) - Messi's record in this competition is startling with only Cristiano Ronaldo netting more than his 120 goals. He will be hoping to close the gap on CR7 this season.

Kylian Mbappe (LW) - Completing PSG's sickeningly good front three is Mbappe. His future remains unclear but for now he will be focused on getting PSG off to the perfect start.

Home/Paris Saint-Germain