It had been a relatively uninspiring start for Luis Enrique as PSG boss before his side produced a stellar display against an albeit woeful Lyon outfit before the international break.
The first half in the French Alps depicted just how potent Les Parisiens can be when they click into gear as they raced into a 4-0 lead before the interval.
That result threw them up to second in Ligue 1 with eight points from four games, but it’s Adi Hutter’s vertical Monaco who are the early pace-setters.
PSG play host to Ligue 1’s return on Friday night as they host the similarly unbeaten Nice. Led by promising Italian coach Francesco Farioli, the visitors will be looking to score a statement win over the perennial French champions.
Here’s how Enrique could set his side up for Nice’s visit.
GK: Gianluigi Donnarumma – It wasn’t the easiest of breaks for Donnarumma who was again chastised by Italian supporters after the Azzurri’s 1-1 draw with North Macedonia. Nevertheless, the towering shot-stopper will return between the sticks on Friday.
RB: Achraf Hakimi – Dynamite going forward, Hakimi netted his first goal of the season in the 4-1 rout of Lyon last time out.
CB: Milan Skriniar – PSG are getting healthier in defence with Presnel Kimpembe and Nordi Mukiele edging closer to returns, but this contest will arrive too soon for both.
CB: Marquinhos – The PSG stalwart will play a crucial role for Enrique as he hopes to enjoy a Thiago Silva-esque career arc.
LB: Lucas Hernandez – Theo’s older, less exciting but equally brilliant brother is a shoo-in with Nuno Mendes still absent.
CM: Fabian Ruiz – Enrique has so far favoured the youth of Warren Zaïre-Emery but could make a change on Friday night with Fabian returning to the fold against a Nice side that’ll challenge PSG in the build-up.
CM: Manuel Ugarte – The former Sporting CP ball-winner has already emerged as an important figure for Enrique in midfield.
CM: Vitinha – Vitinha will partner the elegant Fabian and relentless Ugarte in midfield. The Portuguese maestro combines the attributes of his projected partners and adds a spark of ingenuity in possession.
RW: Ousmane Dembele – Should he stay injury-free, which certainly isn’t a guarantee, Dembele is bound to be a hit in the French capital.
ST: Goncalo Ramos – It looks as if the flexible Marco Asensio will play a big role for PSG this season, but his injury absence will likely give Ramos a chance to impress leading the line. Randal Kolo Muani is also in contention.
LW: Kylian Mbappe – Once out of Enrique’s thinking, Mbappe is now firmly a part of the PSG set-up and averaging a goal every 44 minutes in Ligue 1 this season.
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