This Wednesday, in the first leg of the 2025-2026 Champions League Round of 16 (second leg on March 17), Paris Saint-Germain (Ligue 1 leaders) will face Chelsea (Premier League sixth) 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) –
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
Every lineup is possible; we’ve seen a more or less established starting eleven emerge over the course of the Champions League matches. However, some doubts remain, as Luis Enrique doesn’t give any instructions to the press and relies on fierce competition. There seem to be a few more than 11 players who are genuine contenders to start this match.
It will depend on the exact form of Ousmane Dembélé and João Neves, which is currently unknown. It’s worth noting that leaving out Désiré Doué would also be a significant decision, given his versatility, allowing him to play in both midfield and attack. He could start ahead of Neves, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, or perhaps Warren Zaïre-Emery, but it will also depend on an analysis of the opposition, with Luis Enrique potentially wanting to emphasize certain players. And others he might want to avoid, or “protect.” So, let’s wait for the official announcement, about an hour before the match, for more definitive answers.
