The Champions League final is set for Saturday evening, and the atmosphere around Paris Saint-Germain is tense. The main talking point for the defending champions is whether Achraf Hakimi and Ousmane Dembélé will be fit and ready to feature in the starting lineup.
Manager Luis Enrique faces several difficult selection dilemmas. The tactical setup for the Parisian side is expected to rely on a specific core of players for this high-stakes encounter.
Between the posts, Matvej Safonov is anticipated to start. The goalkeeper earned his spot after being preferred over Lucas Chevalier during the middle of the current campaign.
In the defensive line, the left-back position is firmly held by Nuno Mendes. The Portuguese international remains one of the most vital components of the PSG squad. In the heart of the defense, the partnership will likely consist of Marquinhos and Willian Pacho.
The decision regarding Hakimi
On the right side of the defense, Enrique must choose between experience and youth. Achraf Hakimi, who has been sidelined since the semifinal clash against Bayern Munich, is expected to reclaim his spot. This move would see the Moroccan international start ahead of the young talent Warren Zaïre-Emery.
While Warren Zaïre-Emery is a versatile option for the midfield, a consistent trio has provided the team with a solid foundation throughout the season. Consequently, João Neves, Vitinha, and Fabián Ruiz are the favorites to anchor the midfield against Arsenal.
The attacking front also presents challenges for the Spanish coach. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is tipped to start on the left wing, as the Georgian has become a non-negotiable starter in Enrique’s system. Centrally, Ousmane Dembélé is expected to lead the attack.
Although there were lingering concerns regarding his physical condition, indications suggest he will be recovered in time for the opening whistle. On the right wing, Désiré Doué is currently favored for a starting role, likely leaving Bradley Barcola and Portuguese striker Gonçalo Ramos as options on the bench.
Probable PSG starting XI: Safonov; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz; Doué, Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia.
