Paris Saint-Germain will be aiming to extend their advantage at the top of Ligue 1 this Sunday when they travel to RC Lens.
For PSG, it’s their first league game since before Christmas, although the capital side have been in action twice since then. The reigning French champions beat Toulouse 2-0 in the Super Cup final, while also putting nine unanswered goals past sixth-tier outfit Revel in the Coupe de France.
Kylian Mbappe bagged a hat-trick in that 9-0 win, with his uncertain future still hanging over the club. The World Cup winner is expected to decide his next club in the coming weeks, with Real Madrid the most realistic candidate for his signature should he opt against extending his stay with PSG.
Luis Enrique has a number of injuries and absentees to contend with ahead of the trip to last season’s Ligue 1 runners-up Lens – who only lost out to PSG in the title race by a point – including Achraf Hakimi’s unavailability due to the Africa Cup of Nations.
Here is how PSG could line up against Lens this Sunday.
GK: Gianluigi Donnarumma – The Italian has come under fire for some questionable performances this season, but was impressive in PSG’s Trophee des Champions clash with Toulouse in early January.
RB: Nordi Mukiele – The versatile defender, strongly linked with Bayern Munich, will fill Hakimi’s shoes against Lens and has generally stepped up to the plate when called upon.
CB: Marquinhos – When fit, the Brazilian is an essential part of any PSG side. Enrique’s skipper, he always plays an important role in marshalling the backline.
CB: Lucas Beraldo – The Brazilian made his first two appearances for the club against Toulouse and Revel following his January move. The 20-year-old will need Marquinhos’ guidance at the back to help him reach his lofty potential.
LB: Lucas Hernandez – Another versatile defender for Enrqiue, Hernandez has established himself, much like his brother Theo, at left-back. The Frenchman was sharp against Toulouse and bagged a brace against Revel.
CM: Warren Zaire-Emery – The 17-year-old wonderkid continues to astound in Paris and has become an integral part of Enrique’s team.
CM: Manuel Ugarte – The Uruguayan has made that defensive midfield spot his own since making his summer move and has started regularly for PSG in all competitions this season.
CM: Vitinha – With Lee Kang-in away with South Korea at the Asian Cup, Vitinha’s midfield spot should be unopposed for the next few weeks. The Portuguese has been in great form recently, including a goal and assist in PSG’s last Ligue 1 outing.
RW: Bradley Barcola – Having previously been limited to appearances from the bench, Barcola has managed to muscle his way into Enrique’s starting lineup in the past five games. He will compete with Ousmane Dembele for his spot.
ST: Randal Kolo Muani – The French forward got a much-needed confidence boost against Revel in the cup, bagging himself a brace. However, it’s not been a magnificent season for the former Eintracht Frankfurt man, who has managed just four Ligue 1 goals to date.
LW: Kylian Mbappe – Four goals in the two games since the end of the winter break show that Mbappe has got back up to speed quickly.
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