The highly anticipated Champions League final is scheduled for Saturday evening. For Paris Saint-Germain, the reigning champions, a key question looms: will star players Achraf Hakimi and Ousmane Dembélé be fit to start?
Manager Luis Enrique faces some challenging selection decisions ahead of the decisive match. Here’s a detailed look at PSG’s probable starting lineup.
Matvej Safonov is expected to take his place between the posts. He unexpectedly became the preferred choice over Lucas Chevalier during the middle of the season.
In defense, the left-back position appears settled with Nuno Mendes. The Portuguese international stands out as one of PSG’s pivotal figures.
The central defensive pairing will most likely feature Marquinhos alongside Willian Pacho.
Hakimi’s starting status in doubt?
On the right flank, Enrique must decide whether to deploy Hakimi, who has not seen game time since the semi-final clash against Bayern Munich. Despite this, the Moroccan is widely anticipated to start, earning the nod over Warren Zaïre-Emery.
The talented French youngster could easily slot into midfield, but a consistent trio has solidified their presence there throughout the campaign. João Neves, Vitinha, and Fabián Ruiz are also projected to start against Arsenal.
Upfront, Enrique is grappling with several difficult choices. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is expected to begin on the left wing; the Georgian is an undisputed starter within the Spanish coach’s squad. Leading the line, Dembélé is set to feature.
Although there were concerns regarding his physical condition, he is expected to be fully recovered in time for kickoff. On the right wing, Enrique is likely to favor Désiré Doué, notably ahead of Bradley Barcola and Portuguese forward Gonçalo Ramos.
Paris Saint-Germain’s probable starting XI: Safonov; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz; Doué, Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia.