Paris Saint-Germain continue their quest to reclaim their Ligue 1 crown as they host Montpellier on Saturday night.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side have required goals deep into injury time to snatch all three points in their last two matches, so the Argentine will be hoping for a less stressful time of it at the weekend.
However, PSG will be without superstar new signing Lionel Messi, who has been ruled out with a knee injury and is facing a race against time to be fit to face Man City in the Champions League in midweek.
With that in mind, here’s the side Pochettino should pick for the visit of Montpellier…
Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK) – PSG’s bizarre goalkeeper rotation will continue here, with Donnarumma coming back in after sitting out the midweek win at Metz.
Achraf Hakimi (RB) – With the Parisians fairly short in the full-back department at present, expect Hakimi to start. Bagged both goals in midweek.
Marquinhos (CB) – The club captain, he is certain to lead the side on Saturday night.
Presnel Kimpembe (CB) – Summer signing Sergio Ramos is still out injured, so Kimpembe’s stay of execution is likely to continue alongside Marquinhos.
Abdou Diallo (LB) – PSG’s injury problems at full-back will likely mean Diallo – a centre-back by trade – will be shunted out wide, although young Nuno Mendes did play in midweek.
Danilo Pereira (DM) – The former Porto man is most likely to anchor the midfield in Marco Verratti’s absence. Seems to be preferred to Leandro Paredes.
Ander Herrera (CM) – Will hope to continue his fine goalscoring season thus far with more penetrating runs from deep. Unexpectedly important player to this star-studded PSG side.
Georginio Wijnaldum (CM) – Something of an underwhelming start to life in Paris for the former Liverpool star. He’ll hope that changes, starting on Saturday.
Kylian Mbappe (RW) – Mbappe wasn’t at his flying best against Metz but will doubtless start here – especially with Messi out injured.
Mauro Icardi (ST) – The main beneficiary of Messi’s absence, Icardi will continue up front despite struggling against Metz. Did get that late winner last weekend against Lyon, though.
Neymar (LW) – The Brazilian was the difference in midweek, dazzling throughout and providing a wonderful late assist for Hakimi. A shoo-in to start.