PSG possible starting XI for Ligue 1 encounter against Olympique Lyon

Defensive midfielder - Leandro Paredes

Leandro Paredes in action (pic cred: PSGTalk)

Danilo Pereira has been ruled out of this game after returning a positive Covid-19 test. Idrissa Gueye, who has been an important player for Paris Saint-Germain this season, has left to join the Senegal national side for the African Cup of Nations.

That leaves Pochettino with Leandro Paredes to play as the anchorman. The Argentina international is a belligerent presence at the heart of midfield. Paredes has been nowhere near his best this season but this stretch of games will be a good opportunity for him.

If he can turn in a string of good performances, he can make things difficult for Gueye once he returns from international duty.

Central midfielder - Georginio Wijnaldum

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

The curious case of Georginio Wijnaldum at PSG remains an open chapter. The Dutchman hasn't been able to conjure up anything noteworthy in recent weeks. His brace against RB Leipzig feels like it came quite a while ago.

Wijnaldum has not exactly been able to provide the kind of thrust from midfield that we saw him do regularly for Liverpool. But due to a lack of options and owing to the fact that Wijnaldum has been a regular starter in recent weeks, he might just keep his place here.

Central midfielder - Marco Verratti

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

Marco Verratti is one of the best midfielders of his generation. He has struggled with injuries this season, but whenever he is available, he is a sure-shot starter. Verratti will be one of the first names on the teamsheet tonight.

He will need to dictate play tonight for his side. Bruno Guimaraes and Maxence Caqueret won't make life easy for the Italian international in the centre of the park. But he has enough quality to negotiate all that pressure and be the creator-in-chief for Paris Saint-Germain.

Pochettino will be hoping that his best midfielder can get a steady run of games under his belt. Verratti is yet to score a goal or provide an assist in the ongoing season after making 14 appearances across all competitions for PSG.