This Wednesday, Paris Saint-Germain (Champions League winners) face Aston Villa (Europa League winners) at the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg for the 2026 UEFA Super Cup (kick-off at 9 PM, CET). PSG coach Luis Enrique must select his starting XI—having already named the squad for the match—while taking into account the opponent, upcoming fixtures, and the risk of suspension.
The friendly match phase is over; the goal is no longer just training. The objective is to secure the win and, with it, the first trophy of the season. We should therefore see the most competitive lineup possible start the match, though squad management remains a factor. Careful attention must be paid to the players’ exact fitness levels, the minutes they can play, and the minutes they need for the challenges ahead.
Pre-season preparations have only just begun for the French internationals—with the exception of Maghnes Akliouche, who started his PSG journey last Friday. A starting spot seems unlikely for them, though not entirely impossible. The situation is slightly more open for Akliouche, though nothing is guaranteed there either. In a squad boasting so many top players and considerable versatility, there are always uncertainties regarding the lineup.
Possible Lineup:
Kvaratskhelia – Mayulu – Mbaye
Beraldo – Vitinha – Neves
Mendes – Pacho – Marquinhos – Zabarnyi
Safonov.
Substitutes: Chevalier, Longoni, Digne, Hakimi, Hernandez, Dro, Ndjantou, Ruiz, Zaïre-Emery, Akliouche, Barcola, Dembélé, Doué.
Out – Non.
Out : Potential suspension due to yellow cards: None.
