The Champions League final is scheduled for this Saturday evening, and all eyes are on the Paris Saint-Germain squad. The primary concern for the defending champions is whether key figures Achraf Hakimi and Ousmane Dembélé will be fit enough to feature in the starting eleven.
Luis Enrique faces several tactical dilemmas as he prepares his squad. The following breakdown outlines the likely tactical setup for the Parisian side.
In goal, Matvej Safonov is anticipated to take his place. The goalkeeper earned his spot as the preferred choice over Lucas Chevalier midway through the current campaign.
The defensive line sees Nuno Mendes as a guaranteed starter on the left flank. The Portuguese international remains a vital component of the Paris Saint-Germain system. Centrally, the partnership will almost certainly consist of Marquinhos and Willian Pacho.
The Hakimi selection dilemma
On the right side of the defense, Enrique must determine if Hakimi is ready for a return. The Moroccan defender has been sidelined since the semi-final encounter with Bayern Munich. Current indications suggest he will be given the nod over Warren Zaïre-Emery for this crucial fixture.
While the young French talent Zaïre-Emery is versatile enough to slot into the midfield, the coach seems intent on maintaining the stability of his established trio. Consequently, João Neves, Vitinha, and Fabián Ruiz are expected to anchor the midfield against Arsenal.
The attacking front also presents difficult choices for Enrique. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is set to occupy the left wing, as the Georgian playmaker has become a staple in the Spanish manager’s plans. Centrally, Dembélé is expected to start as the main striker.
Despite recent questions regarding his physical condition, the forward is likely to be ready by kickoff. For the right-wing position, Enrique appears to be leaning toward Désiré Doué, which would mean Bradley Barcola and Portuguese striker Gonçalo Ramos start on the bench.
Probable Paris Saint-Germain XI: Safonov; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz; Doué, Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia.
