PSG possible starting XI for Ligue 1 encounter against Reims

Ligue 1 leaders PSG host Reims at the Parc des Princes on Sunday night, in their 22nd league game of the season.

PSG are unbeaten in their last ten games across competitions, and hold a healthy 11-point lead over second-placed Nice. After their clash against the 14th-placed visitors, they face a tricky set of fixtures in the next few days.

They host Nice in the Coupe de France next week before travelling to reigning champions Lille in their next league outing. They play their first game of February at home against Rennes, the only team to have beaten them in Ligue 1 this season. The Parisians will then face Real Madrid in a UEFA Champions League round of 16 fixture on 15 February.

This home game against Les rouges et blancs looks to be the easiest of the bunch for them, and they'll hope to secure a win here.

Mauricio Pochettino's men continue to suffer from injuries and COVID-19. Meanwhile, three players are on international duty at the AFCON, where their teams have made it to the knockout stage.

On that note, here's a look at how PSG's starting XI could look like in their Ligue 1 game against Reims:

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Goalkeeper - Gianluigi Donnarumma

Gianluigi Donnarumma kept a clean sheet against Brest.

Keylor Navas has returned to training after testing negative for COVID-19 in midweek. However, he might not be risked against Reims, who have scored 22 league goals this term, the fifth-worst attacking record in the league.

Meanwhile, Gianluigi Donnarumma had a good outing against Brest in his last game, where he kept a clean sheet, So Pochettino might opt to start the young Italian in this one.

Right-back - Thilo Kehrer

The German defender scored against Brest in PSG's previous game, making it two goals in two. He should be ahead in the pecking order ahead of Colin Dagba, who has made just three appearances this season.

Centre-back - Marquinhos (PSG captain)

Marquinhos has been one of the best defenders in Ligue 1 this season.

Marquinhos has established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the French top-flight. He provides a vocal presence at the heart of defence, and is a no-brainer in the starting XI for Pochettino.

Only Kylian Mbappe has made more starts in Ligue 1 this season than the Brazilian defender.

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Centre-back - Presnel Kimpembe

Presnel Kimpembe has been a great partner for Marquinhos at the back.

Presnel Kimpembe is a solid defender, and possesses decent pace for a centre-back. His strength gives him a great advantage in one-on-one duels, and he leads in interceptions made this season (1.4 per 90). He could be the first-choice centre-back in this game alongside Marquinhos.

Left-Back - Nuno Mendes

With Julian Bernat not yet cleared after contracting COVID-19, Nuno Mendes should assume the left-back position for the fifth game in a row across all competitions.

Central Midfielder - Leandro Paredes

Leandro Paredes has just four starts in Ligue 1 this season.

Georginio Wijnaldum picked up a ligament injury in PSG's clash against Brest, and has been ruled out of this game. So Pochettino is expected to call on the services of Leandro Paredes to fill in for the Dutch midfielder.

Paredes has been a second-choice player this campaign, but has put in solid performances when called upon. He has completed almost 95% of his passes, and has also bagged an assist.

PSG have a few options in midfield. However, Paredes provides a good input in the defensive third as well, so he should make the starting XI in this game.

Central Midfielder - Marco Verratti

Marco Verratti is one of the best midfielders in the world at the moment.

Marco Verratti has missed a significant part of the season because of injuries. So he will look to make up for that, and capitalise on any opportunity he might receive. His short-passing and ability to dictate play might come in handy, as most of PSG's first-choice attackers are doubtful for this game.

Verratti has not scored or registered an assist this season. However, he has averaged more passes than any other player for the capital club (81.5 per 90), and has maintained a 91.6 % pass accuracy.

The midfielder, one of the highest-paid players at PSG, is not expected to end the game. That's because Pochettino will want to keep him fresh ahead of a tough run of fixtures in the coming weeks.

Central Midfielder - Ander Herrera

Ander Herrera has scored three goals in Ligue 1 this season.

While Ander Herrera has not produced any moments of magic at PSG, the Spaniard has proven to be a great utility player in the last few seasons. He has 11 starts to his name, and was on the bench in PSG's only loss of the season at Rennes.

Though it remains to be seen if he can make any significant impact, he is almost guaranteed a start against Reims. That's because he put in a decent performance in the 80 minutes he played against Brest.

He picked up just his first booking of the campaign in that game, though. However, just like Verratti, it is highly unlikely Herrera will play the full 90 minutes in this match.

Right Winger - Angel Di Maria

Angel Di Maria registers more than two key passes per game.

Angel Di Maria has been with PSG since 2015, and has started in the right-winger position in more than half of his games with the club. He is back to full fitness now. In the absence of Neymar due to injury, he is the best available option for Pochettino on the right wing for this game.

PSG have 42 goals in the league, just one more than fourth-placed Strasbourg, so they will hope to count on Di Maria's creative ability to provide some spark in the final third. He is one of the leading assist providers in the history of the sport. So he could set up a goal or two against Reims, who have let in just 23 goals in the league thus far (fourth-best defensive record in the league).

He started against Brest, and should retain his place ahead of Xavi Simons, who has made just two appearances this season.

Striker - Mauro Icardi

Mauro Icardi has scored four goals in Ligue 1 this season.

Though Lionel Messi is back in training after a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to COVID-19, he is expected to start on the bench in this game. That's because he has had just a couple of days to train for this game.

His compatriot Mauro Icardi should be the first-choice striker in this game for PSG. The Argentine led the lineup in the absence of Messi, and should make his third consecutive start in this game.

Icardi has nine starts in the league this season, and has found the back of the net four times. His last goal came against Lorient in a game that ended 1-1. Though he is a capable striker, he has not fit in well at the club so far, though.

Left Winger - Kylian Mbappe

Mbappe has recovered from a thigh injury.

Kylian Mbappe picked up an injury in training, but has been declared fit to face Reims. He has trained well, and is expected to join the full training session ahead of the game.

He is one of the most in-form players in the league this season, outscoring every other PSG player in 2021 by at least 27 goals. His injury scare would've worried Pochettino, as Mbappe scored in the game against Brest. However, the Argentine will be relieved knowing that his best player is available for the game.

Though there might be doubts regarding Mbappe's match fitness, Pochettino can't afford to leave him on the bench against Reims. He might opt to substitute the striker in the second half if PSG are able to seal the game by then.