PSG vs Marseille: Combined XI
On Sunday evening, France's top two go head to head in the biggest game of the French footballing calendar: Le Classique.
Sure, 'two top' might be a bit generous considering PSG are 12 points clear of Marseille in the Ligue 1 table...but still...we're still expecting a good game between the sides.
We're expecting such a good game in fact that we have selected the derby to be part of our Rivals series.
As part of said series, and to gear you up for Sunday evening's entertainment, here's the 11 best players who will be on show in Le Classique.
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK) - Things haven't totally gone to plan for Gigi since his move to Paris in the summer, but the talent is still clearly there. It's only a matter of time before he re-finds that Euro 2020 form.
Achraf Hakimi (RB) - Arguably the best right-back/right wing-back in world football today. Of course Hakimi is in this team.
Marquinhos (CB) - Amazingly still only 27 years old (yeah it shocked us at 90min HQ too), the Brazilian is the undisputed leader of the PSG defence.
William Saliba (CB) - Arsenal fans, I'm afraid we have some bad news: you know that guy that you were all clamouring over to see play for your club who was instead loaned out to Marseille? Yeah he is actually very good.
Nuno Mendes (LB) - The Portuguese full-back is only 19 and might be the best left-back in world football. Must be nice.
2. Midfielders
Marco Verratti (CM) - Now third all-time in appearances for PSG, Verratti has been exceptional since arriving in Paris from Pescara.
Matteo Guendouzi (CM) - Another of the Arsenal contingent, Guendouzi left north London with his reputation firmly at a low point. Fast forward to 2022 and he's one of the best midfielders in Ligue 1. Nice one.
Dimitri Payet (AM) - Watch this goal. Then say 'oh, yeah it makes sense that Payet is in this team'.
3. Forwards
Lionel Messi (RW) - Three Ligue 1 goals during the 2021/22 season isn't particularly good by anyone's standards. 13 assists in Ligue 1 is though. And, you know, this is Messi so of course he's made this combined XI.
Kylian Mbappe (ST) - The best player in this team by quite a distance Mbappe looks absolutely unstoppable right now.
Neymar (LW) - A marmite footballer these days, but the talent is still there; even if the form and fitness sometimes aren't.