PSG possible starting lineup for Champions League encounter against Real Madrid

PSG Defensive Midfielder - Idrissa Gueye

Paris Saint-Germain v Manchester City: Group A - UEFA Champions League

Leandro Paredes turned in a rather lackluster performance against Rennes. He was ready for a scrap and was combative but failed to provide much else as the talented PSG midfield struggled to dictate play on Friday.

Idrissa Gueye is back after winning the African Cup of Nations with Senegal. His last game for PSG came all the way back in December against Lorient. Gueye was doing a solid job for the Parisians in defensive midfield before he left for international duty.

Pochettino will be happy to welcome Gueye back and he will have his work cut out against arguably the best midfield in all of Europe, consisting of Kroos, Modric and Casemiro.

Central midfielder - Georginio Wijnaldum

RB Leipzig v Paris Saint-Germain: Group A - UEFA Champions League

With Ander Herrera injured and Georginio Wijnaldum unfit to start, Pochettino played Julian Draxler in midfield against Rennes. He could hardly be spotted and was largely absent from the game. Draxler couldn't exert any control over proceedings and his decision-making in the final third was poor.

He was hooked halfway through the second half and his replacement Angel Di Maria immediately helped PSG get more aggressive and showed more urgency. With Wijnaldum fit to play, Pochettino will look for more stability in midfield and start the Dutchman alongside Idrissa Gueye.

Central midfielder - Marco Verratti

Paris Saint-Germain v RB Leipzig: Group A - UEFA Champions League

Marco Verratti is arguably PSG's most important player in big games such as these. Even though he was not supported adequately in midfield against Rennes, he put in a shift and was the primary playmaker for his side.

The Italian international's ball progression skills coupled with his technical prowess make him an undroppable member of the starting XI. Verratti made quite a few forays into the final third as well and provided ample support to the likes of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe.

The 29-year-old has been in good form of late and has been one of PSG's best players since the turn of the year.