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PSG will face their first formidable test of the season when they welcome reigning Premier League winners Manchester City to the Parc des Princes on Tuesday (September 28).
After a busy summer of world-class acquisitions, PSG are buzzing in Ligue 1. The runaway league leaders have won all eight of their games this season and are already a whopping nine points clear of second-placed Lens. Considering their extensive summer overhaul, PSG's Ligue 1 dominance is almost guaranteed.
However, it is the Champions League which the Parisians are looking to conquer this season. PSG got their campaign in the competition underway with a disappointing draw away at Club Brugges. But things are about to get tougher against last season's finalists Manchester City, who have one of the best rosters on the continent.
Ahead of their mouthwatering kick-off against Manchester City, here's a look at PSG's probable starting XI:
Goalkeeper - Gianluigi Donnarumma
Gianluigi Donnarumma is arguably one of the best goalkeepers in the game at the moment. Only 22, Donnarumma played a key role in Italy's triumphant Euro 2020 campaign before arriving at PSG.
The former AC Milan custodian has made only two appearances for his new club this season, both in Ligue 1. There have been reports of Donnarumma unhappy about playing second fiddle to Keylor Navas. But against City on Tuesday, the young Italian is expected to make his Champions League debut.
Donnarumma has kept one clean sheet for his new club. He'll look to double that tally against Pep Guardiola's men in the French capital on Tuesday.
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Left-back - Nuno Mendes
Nuno Mendes is one of the most exciting young full-backs in the game. PSG pulled off a coup of sorts when they beat stiff competition to land the teenager on loan this summer.
The former Sporting Lisbon prodigy has made a promising start to life in Paris, making four appearances across competitions. Mendes came on as a second-half substitute in PSG's Champions League opener at Club Brugges, impressing in his short stint.
That means Mendes is likely to make his first Champions League start against Manchester City on Tuesday.
Centre-back - Marquinhos
Marquinhos is one of the best central defenders in the game at the moment. Still only 27, the Brazilian has been at PSG for almost a decade, scoring key goals and winning titles galore.
In over 300 appearances across competitions for the club, Marquinhos has scored 31 times. That includes five strikes in his last two Champions League campaigns.
The Copa America 2021 finalist has made six appearances across competitions this season. Marquinhos is likely to make his second Champions League start of the campaign against City on Tuesday.
Centre-back - Presnel Kimpembe
Presnel Kimpembe is one of the best ball-playing centre-backs in the game. The 26-year-old, unlike his PSG captain Marquinhos, doesn't score a lot of goals. But Kimpembe performs his primary duties at the heart of defense with diligence, breaking up opponent moves and kickstarting attacks for his team.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup winner has not missed a game for PSG this season, making ten appearances across competitions.
So it's fair to say Kimpembe could be one of the first names on PSG's team sheet for the game against City.
Right-back - Achraf Hakimi
Achraf Hakimi is widely regarded as one of the best goalscoring full-backs in the game at the moment.
The right-back hit the ground running at PSG, scoring on his club debut after arriving on a big-money transfer from Inter Milan. Hakimi has contributed five goals (three goals, two assists) in ten games across competitions for PSG this season.
The 2020-21 Serie A winner played all ninety minutes in PSG's Champions League opener. He is likely to do the same against City on Tuesday as well.
Central Midfielder - Ander Herrera
Ander Herrera has been a surprise performer in a star-studded PSG squad this season.
The 32-year-old former Manchester United midfielder has scored six times for the Ligue 1 giants. Four of those strikes have come this season, including one in PSG's Champions League opener against Club Brugge.
Herrera is not the quickest player on the field. But he has impressed with his ball distribution and finishing this season, something he'll look to continue when Manchester City come calling on Tuesday.
Central Midfielder - Idrissa Gueye
Much like his midfield team-mate Herrera, Idrissa Gueye has been on a roll for PSG this season.
The 32-year-old has already struck three times in Ligue 1 this season, doubling his goal tally for PSG. Gueyye has played in central midfield and defensive midfield for the Ligue 1 giants this season.
Considering his good form and versatility, the Senegal international is likely to make his first Champions League start of the season on Tuesday.
Central Midfielder - Georginio Wijnaldum
Georginio Wijnaldum is one of several high-profile arrivals at PSG this summer. The former Liverpool midfielder has made nine appearances across competitions this season, but is yet to truly impress at his new employers.
Wijnaldum, who has played in a plethora of midfield positions for PSG, is likely to make his second Champions League start of the season on Tuesday. He lasted only 45 minutes against Club Brugge two weeks ago.
The Dutchman will look to make a big outing against City to prove that he can still deliver the goods despite being on the wrong side of 30.
Also Read: PSG vs Manchester City: Where to watch in India, USA and UK | UEFA Champions League 2021-22
Left Winger - Neymar
Neymar is one of numerous star-studded players on PSG's expensively assembled roster. But the Brazilian hasn't yet hit his stride this season. He has scored just once - from the penalty spot - in five games across competitions.
The 29-year-old did play ninety minutes in PSG's Champions League opener against Club Brugge. But he turned in an underwhelming performance as the Ligue 1 giants were forced to split points on the night.
Nevertheless, the 2015 Champions League winner is expected to make his second start in the competition on Tuesday.
Centre-Forward - Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe is one of the best young players in the game at the moment. Despite being close to joining Real Madrid, Mbappe has stayed put at PSG and has fared well for them this season.
Recently, the 22-year-old registered his 150th Ligue 1 goal contribution since making his debut in the competition almost six years ago. Mbappe has scored four goals and provided three assists in the league this season, but is yet to open his account in the Champions League.
After sustaining an injury against Club Brugge, Mbappe will look to impact the game more against Manchester City and help PSG get their first UCL win of the season.
Right Winger - Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi, widely regarded as the best player to have graced the game, arrived at PSG on a free transfer this summer.
Despite his prolific form in international football, the 34-year-old is yet to open his account for the Ligue 1 giants. Messi has played three games across competitions for his new employers, including one in the Champions League.
After hitting the woodwork twice, Messi will look to score his much-awaited first goal for PSG when City come calling on Tuesday.
