This Wednesday, Paris Saint-Germain (2nd) faces Athletic Bilbao (27th) at the San Mamés Stadium for Matchday 6 of the 2025-2026 Champions League (kick-off at 9 pm, CET). PSG coach Luis Enrique must choose his starting eleven, taking into account the opponent, upcoming matches, and the risk of suspensions, after having selected the squad for this encounter.
There are always doubts surrounding Luis Enrique, who knows how to surprise everyone amidst the fierce competition and established ideas. At least there’s the “ease” of a Champions League match, which implies that the squad management is designed to field the most competitive team possible.
Rotation is generally planned for other matches. But there are still many options for this, as several players are versatile. For example, Senny Mayulu could play as a false nine, or at left-back if Nuno Mendes isn’t ready to start. This is a somewhat unclear point, as the Portuguese player has been able to prepare well, but there’s also a lot of caution involved.
If the Parisian drops back into defense, Quentin Ndjantou, Lee Kang-In, and Gonçalo Ramos are possibilities up front. But João Neves can play left-back, with Mayulu or Lee in midfield.
Possible lineup:
Kvaratskhelia – Mayulu – Barcola
Ruiz – Vitinha – Neves
Mendes – Pacho – Marquinhos – Zaïre-Emery
Safonov
Substitutes – James, Marin, Zabarnyi, Lee, Ndjantou, Doué, Mbaye, Ramos
Unavailable – Chevalier, Beraldo, Hakimi (injury), Dembélé (illness), Hernandez (suspension)
Possible suspension for yellow card accumulation: Nuno Mendes.
This suspension would be effective for Matchday 7 on January 20 against Sporting Lisbon.
