PSG predicted lineup vs RB Leipzig - Champions League

PSG will have Messi and Mbappe available, but not Neymar
PSG will have Messi and Mbappe available, but not Neymar / John Berry/GettyImages
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PSG may be top of Ligue 1 by nine points - scoring 24 goals in the process - but something still doesn't feel right about Mauricio Pochettino's tenure.

Whether it's a contrast in ideas, philosophy or something else, the Argentine is yet to get his team of mega stars playing like...well, a team of mega stars.

Individually they know how to get the job done, but the team's overall performances have been disjointed; to the extent that we've even seen Lionel Messi give a death stare after Poch dared to take him off.

But none of that will matter on Tuesday night if the starting XI he picks to face RB Leipzig in the Champions League delivers - like they have done in PSG's opening two group games against Club Brugge and Manchester City.

Who'll get the nod to earn a third straight win? Let's see...


PSG predicted lineup vs RB Leipzig - Champions League

1. Goalkeeper & defenders

Lionel Messi, Leo Messi, Marquinhos
Marquinhos is the head of PSG's central defence / John Berry/GettyImages

Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK) - It took a little while for Donnarumma to get himself between the sticks, but expect Keylor Navas to find it difficult dislodging him when he returns from a knock.

Achraf Hakimi (RB) - Has relatively fresh legs after starting on the bench against Angers last Friday. One of the best full-backs/wing-backs in the world.

Marquinhos (CB) - Another classy operator who will captain the side.

Presnel Kimpembe (CB) - Has been a consistent performer for PSG this season, perhaps knowing he must raise his game to keep out Sergio Ramos - if he ever gets fit.

Nuno Mendes (LB) - Juan Bernat was handed a start against Angers, but Mendes can expect rotation and the chance to come back in.

2. Midfielders

Ander Herrera
Ander Herrera has been allowed to roam further forward / John Berry/GettyImages

Idrissa Gueye (CM) - Many thought that Gueye would be the fall guy once PSG splashed the cash on a new midfielder. He's had other ideas.

Marco Verratti (CM) - A top tier midfielder who is one of the very best in position. One of the first names on Pochettino's team sheet.

Ander Herrera (CM) - Tasked with playing in a more advanced role, Herrera hasn't done a bad job at all - much to the annoyance of the watching Gini Wijnaldum from the bench. Still, you know he's itching to fly into a tackle.

3. Forwards

Lionel Messi
Messi is yet to set Paris alight / Catherine Steenkeste/GettyImages

Rafinha (RW) - With Neymar definitely out with a groin injury, Angel Di Maria still suspended, and Julian Draxler doubtful, it may be that Rafinha - who is absolutely not good enough to be on the wing - starts wide right, shifting Messi and Mbappe into different roles.

Lionel Messi (CF) - It's been a sedate start to life in the French capital for one of the greatest of all time. Opened his account against Manchester City and that normally opens the floodgates for more.

Kylian Mbappe (LW) - Will he stay, won't he stay? The answer to that is still unknown, but one thing we do know is that Mbappe fancies winning the Champions League golden boot.