PSG predicted lineup vs Lorient - Ligue 1
By Sean Walsh
Paris Saint-Germain's final game before the Christmas break comes against strugglers Lorient in Ligue 1.
The Parisians could sit a pretty 16 points clear at the top of the table if results go their way on Wednesday, while their hosts are deep in a relegation battle and have lost their last eight games on the bounce.
Mauricio Pochettino's side will be without star forwards Neymar and Kylian Mbappe for the trip to Stade du Moustoir, but a certain Argentine should be back in the fold.
Here's how PSG could line up...
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK) - Seems to have usurped Keylor Navas as PSG's starting goalkeeper following a summer move from Milan.
Achraf Hakimi (RB) - One of PSG's biggest threats on the ball, with his pace and movement so crucial to how they attack.
Marquinhos (CB) - The skipper has had another impressive calendar year at the heart of the Parisian defence.
Sergio Ramos (CB) - Slowly getting back up to speed and started against Feignies Aulnoye in the Coupe de France last time out.
Abdou Diallo (LB) - Has been preferred to Presnel Kimpembe as the left-sided centre-back recently. With Juan Bernat and Nuno Mendes working their way back from injury, he could still be afforded a place in the starting lineup.
2. Midfielders
Leandro Paredes (DM) - The closest PSG can get to a like-for-like replacement for Marco Verratti, who is suspended.
Idrissa Gueye (CM) - Despite the riches that play further ahead of him, Gueye has been one of Pochettino's key men this season.
Georginio Wijnaldum (CM) - Finally getting some consistent game time under his belt after a slow start to life in France.
3. Forwards
Lionel Messi (RW) - Has been used as a false nine in Neymar's absence, but Mbappe missing out too means Messi will have to go back to playing on the wing.
Mauro Icardi (CF) - Goodness knows where Icardi is going to be playing his football come the end of the January transfer window, but it probably shouldn't be alongside Messi, Mbappe and Neymar.
Angel Di Maria (LW) - Will always put in a top shift regardless of where he's asked to play.