PSG possible starting XI for Ligue 1 encounter against Saint-Etienne

Defensive midfielder - Danilo Pereira

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Paris Saint-Germain have an array of injury problems in midfield. Marco Verratti and Georginio Wijnaldum have been ruled out with injuries. The Italian international is expected to be out for three weeks while the Dutchman is sidelined with a knee injury.

Ander Herrera is another casualty. He suffered a hamstring injury in the Champions League game against Manchester City in midweek. The Spaniard is expected to be out for a month as well.

With Rafinha and Julian Draxler also in the nursing room, Pochettino is running short of options in midfield. Leandro Paredes did not impress in midweek against the Cityzens. He could sit this one out. As a result, Danilo Pereira could return to the starting lineup.

Pereira will play at the base of midfield and is likely to be partnered with...

Defensive midfielder - Idrissa Gueye

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Idrissa Gueye suffered a muscular discomfort during the game against Manchester City in midweek. He didn't have a particularly impressive outing either in midweek but due to Paris Saint-Germain's mounting injury problems, he could be handed another start here.

The Senegalese international fared well in PSG's 3-1 win over Nantes last weekend and he ought to be able to produce a similar performance on Sunday.

Attacking midfielder - Lionel Messi

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Lionel Messi opened his account in Ligue 1 with a goal against Nantes last weekend. However, he followed that up with a colourless display against Manchester City. The Argentina international came under a lot of criticism for being a passenger against Pep Guardiola's side.

Messi has been deployed in a free-roaming role behind the attacking line in recent weeks. Pochettino will hope for a response from Messi after that midweek performance. The Saint Etienne backline has looked solid in recent outings. As such, PSG could use Messi's incredible technical ability and vision to unlock their defence on Sunday.

Due to their injury issues in midfield, Paris Saint-Germain will be forced to field a healthy number of attackers. Pochettino will be hoping that they can use this game to build a better understanding with each other.