This Tuesday, in the second leg of their 2025-2026 Champions League Round of 16 tie (PSG won the first leg 5-2), Paris Saint-Germain will face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (kick-off at 9 pm, CET). Ahead of this match, the press has been trying to predict the starting lineup that Parisian coach Luis Enrique will field.
Le Parisien (4-3-3) –
Barcola – Dembélé – Kvaratskhelia
Neves – Vitinha – Zaïre-Emery
Mendes – Pacho – Marquinhos – Hakimi
Safonov
L’Equipe (4-3-3) –
Barcola – Dembélé – Kvaratskhelia
Neves – Vitinha – Zaïre-Emery
Mendes – Pacho – Marquinhos – Hakimi
Safonov
As always, a degree of caution is maintained since Luis Enrique doesn’t give any hints to the press. The press has to try and anticipate, and the Spaniard knows how to surprise. Even if it’s a bit simpler in the Champions League, with a “starting lineup” emerging.
However, between competition and versatility, there are always several options for the starting eleven. For example, Désiré Doué could play on the wing, in midfield, or start on the bench. It depends on each player’s form and the game plan. Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembélé, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia performed well in the first leg, but there’s no obligation, and Doué also proved valuable in breaking the press. Not to mention his defensive efforts.
One might think of Warren Zaïre-Emery, understandably fatigued after more than 30 consecutive starts. Except that he’s also more defensively minded. Let’s not forget Senny Mayulu, who has been in better form recently and has started several Champions League matches this season.
The wisest course of action is to wait for the official announcement, about an hour before the match, for certainty. Even then, there could be surprises regarding positioning (like in the first leg where man-marking led to Achraf Hakimi playing in midfield).
