This Tuesday, in the first leg of the 2025-2026 Champions League semi-final (second leg on May 6), Paris Saint-Germain faces Bayern Munich at the Parc des Princes (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) –
Kvaratskhelia – Dembélé – Doué
Neves – Vitinha – Zaïre-Emery
Mendes – Pacho – Marquinhos – Hakimi
Safonov.
L’Equipe (4-3-3) –
Kvaratskhelia – Dembélé – Doué
Neves – Vitinha – Zaïre-Emery
Mendes – Pacho – Marquinhos – Hakimi
Safonov.
Each lineup is quite plausible, and there’s little suspense for most positions. Even though one should always be cautious with Luis Enrique, who doesn’t give instructions to the press and is known for surprising everyone.
Here, amidst the fierce competition for places, some questions remain regarding what would be a near-standard starting lineup. One might consider the midfield, where Fabian Ruiz was a pillar last season, but Warren Zaïre-Emery performed well in his absence, particularly in winning back possession, which is crucial against Bayern’s attacking force.
As for PSG’s attack, Bradley Barcola’s speed could be a major asset, while Désiré Doué has perhaps lacked consistency in recent months. Moreover, RMC Sport included Barcola in their starting eleven last night.
