PSG predicted lineup vs Nice - Ligue 1
By Max Parsons
Paris Saint-Germain take a trip to the Cote d'Azur on Saturday night, facing a tough test against Nice.
Mauricio Pochettino's men bounced back well last time out, following up their second Ligue 1 defeat of the campaign (a 3-1 shock loss to Nantes) with a good 3-1 beating of Saint-Etienne. That victory puts the Parisian outfit on 62 points for the campaign so far, boasting a 15-point cushion at the summit.
This weekend's trip to Nice, however, is no gimme, as they face a side on course for Champions League qualification, currently occupying third spot in the standings. Here's how PSG could line up for this one.
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK) - Started for the first time in three Ligue 1 games last time out, and could continue for this one.
Achraf Hakimi (RB) - Didn't feature in that win against Saint-Etienne, but should come back into the fold this weekend.
Marquinhos (CB) - The PSG skipper is set for a 13th consecutive league start this weekend.
Abdou Diallo (CB) - Ahead of his side's mammoth Champions League round of 16 second-leg clash against Real Madrid in midweek, Pochettino may opt to rest some players, potentially resulting in Diallo's inclusion.
Juan Bernat (LB) - Nuno Mendes might also be afforded a rest this weekend, so Bernat could come back into the side for this one.
2. Midfielders
Danilo Pereira (CM) - With five goals in his previous three Ligue 1 games, surely the big Portuguese starts here.
Idrissa Gueye (CM) - Leandro Paredes and Ander Herrera are once again doubtful, so Gueye will probably continue at the heart of the side.
Georginio Wijnaldum (CM) - Marco Verratti is back available for this one, although the little Italian may be kept fresh for their midweek action.
3. Forwards
Angel Di Maria (RW) - Played well after being introduced off the bench against Saint-Etienne and could be given a first start in four league outings.
Mauro Icardi (ST) - With Kylian Mbappe suspended and Lionel Messi potentially receiving a rest before a huge midweek clash, Icardi could earn a rare start.
Neymar (LW) - In what could be a weakened front three (yeah, ridiculous), Neymar will likely be tasked with supplying the magic.