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PSG have not performed at the level that we've come to expect from them after the kind of summer they've had. Despite bringing in an array of world-class talent, the Ligue 1 outfit haven't been outstanding. Having said that, they have been able to squeeze out positive results from most of their matches across all competitions so far.
But PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino knows that he needs to get his superstars playing together in a more cohesive manner. Otherwise, it'll just be a matter of time before the supporters start questioning his effectiveness. But for now, PSG's 2021-22 season is pretty much on track.
Lionel Messi came to life in their latest Champions League outing as they beat RB Leipzig 3-2 at the Parc Des Princes a fortnight ago. They will be looking to make it two in a row over the Bundesliga outfit as the two teams collide again at the Red Bull Arena on Wednesday night.
Without further ado, let's take a look at how PSG might line up against RB Leipzig.
PSG possible lineup against RB Leipzig
Goalkeeper - Keylor Navas
Having started two of PSG's three Champions League games so far, Keylor Navas is expected to be chosen over Gianluigi Donnarumma here. The Italian goalkeeper has not been at his very best although he did produce a couple of stunning saves in the game against Lille.
Navas has more Champions League experience and is likely to be selected from the start here. He has kept three clean sheets in 10 appearances across all competitions so far this term. His Italian counterpart has kept two clean sheets in six.
Right-back - Achraf Hakimi
Achraf Hakimi has not exactly been at his best in recent weeks but he has shown his quality on multiple occasions already this term. He will start here against Leipzig after missing the weekend's game against Lille through suspension.
Centre-back - Marquinhos
Marquinhos was in fine form against Lille. He was ready to go toe-to-toe with the likes of Yilmaz and David. The PSG captain made quite a few headed clearances and threw himself in the way of shots. He was formidable at the back and also scored the equalizer for PSG to kickstart their comeback.
Marquinhos will definitely keep his place in the starting XI here.
Centre-back - Presnel Kimpembe
Kimpembe was reduced to a mere spectator as David scored Lille's opener. However, he recovered decently from that and made three interceptions and even made a decisive last-ditch challenge. With Sergio Ramos continuing to be sidelined, Kimpembe will keep his place here.
Left-back - Juan Bernat
The game against Lille was Juan Bernat's first start in almost a year after recovering from an ankle injury. While he was enterprising going forward, his rustiness showed in defence and was fortunate not to have been punished for it.
Defensive midfielder - Danilo Pereira
PSG's midfield is starting to become a cause for concern for Pochettino. They were overrun in the first-half quite easily against Lille and Danilo Pereira was at the centre of it. However, he did turn in a decent performance in the second half and even navigated tight spaces quite commendably.
He made quite a few good passes as the game progressed and was responsible for launching several of PSG's attacks. But his shortcomings were on display as Renato Sanches got the better of him on several occasions. With Marco Verratti out injured, Pochettino will need to work with what he has got.
So Pereira is once again likely to start in the heart of midfield.
Central midfielder - Ander Herrera
Georginio Wijnaldum was given the chance to start the game against Lille but he failed to impress. Except for the lovely through ball he played to Angel Di Maria towards the end of the first half, the Dutchman made no real contribution. He looked lost every time Lille broke on the counter.
It was a poor performance from Wijnaldum and is unlikely to feature from the start against RB Leipzig. Ander Herrera is well rested after playing just six minutes against Lille.
The former Manchester United man is expected to be deployed in midfield and will need to make sure the PSG midfield stays compact against RB Leipzig.
Central midfielder - Idrissa Gueye
Yet another PSG player who came to life in the second half against Lille, Idrissa Gueye, looked off pace in the first 45. He didn't press well enough and was not precise with his passing either.
However, the Senegalese international was able to assert himself a lot more in the second half. Gueye was accurate with his passing but didn't have the same kind of luck with his dribbling. He will need to be on high-alerts on Wednesday night against RB Leipzig's Dani Olmo and Christopher Nkunku.
Left winger - Angel Di Maria
Angel Di Maria was Paris Saint-Germain's best forward in the game against Lille. While his teammates struggled to affect the game in a positive manner, the Argentine rallied them forward with his technical brilliance and quick thinking.
Like most of his teammates, Di Maria leveled up in the second half and was a constant threat going forward. He should have had an assist after playing a wonderful pass to Lionel Messi. Di Maria came close with a shot of his own before teeing up Marquinhos for PSG's equalizer.
He then scored the all-important winner in the 88th minute of the game. With Lionel Messi a major doubt after being forced off at half-time against Lille, Di Maria will start down the left side here. Even if Messi was playing, it would have been difficult to keep Di Maria out of the side on current form.
Right winger - Neymar Jr.
After a few dismal performances early on in the season, Neymar Jr. showed signs of getting back to his expressive best in the game against Lille. He did seem a bit off pace for the first hour or so and then he grew into the game.
The Brazilian played a few lovely passes in the second half and was at the heart of almost everything good that PSG created. He was involved in both goals and it was his lovely link-up play with Di Maria that helped them bag the winner as well.
Pochettino will want more of the same from his talismanic forward as they square off against RB Leipzig.
Striker - Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe was ruled out of the game against Lille due to illness. He has now recovered and is set to start against RB Leipzig. Mbappe hasn't been at his staggering best this season but has still been PSG's best player so far.
He has scored six goals and provided eight assists in 14 appearances across all competitions so far this season. The Frenchman was excellent against RB Leipzig at the Parc des Princes a fortnight ago. He is likely to be their main threat in attack once again.
