What will PSG’s lineup look like in the second leg of the Champions League semi-finals? Luis Enrique has his ideas.
The defeat (0-1) against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday night at Signal Iduna Park has cast doubt in the minds of PSG supporters. Despite Luis Enrique emphasizing that he’s putting together the best possible team, PSG faltered in Germany, kept afloat mainly by Marquinhos and Donnarumma.
For the return leg next Tuesday, Lucas Hernandez won’t be available. The Frenchman will be absent for many months following his knee injury. And that’s a problem. A big one. Because Marquinhos has regained stability and confidence in defense. Without the Frenchman, Lucas Beraldo is likely to be fielded in central defense. The Brazilian sometimes shows a few shortcomings at this level. Is Luis Enrique considering reintroducing Danilo for this clash? It’s unlikely.
Unchanged attacking trio
Upfront, the Mbappé formula as a center-forward didn’t work. Many were surprised not to see Gonçalo Ramos starting, especially considering his success in Ligue 1. In Barcelona, Luis Enrique had proposed this formula with Mbappé as the number 9. And the Spaniard is stubborn. So, we should see this trio again, which has a lot to make up for.
Our bet: Luis Enrique won’t change much, if at all. Donnarumma – Hakimi, Marquinhos, Beraldo, Mendes – Ruiz, Zaïre Emery, Vitinha – Mbappé, Dembélé, Barcola
