This Tuesday, Paris Saint-Germain (3rd) faces Sporting Lisbon (14th) at the Estádio José Alvalade for Matchday 7 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 Parisian squad for this encounter.
It’s always difficult to anticipate all of Luis Enrique’s choices, even if it’s a bit “simpler” in the Champions League, as we suspect his primary focus is on competitiveness. Rotation has been planned with this in mind; changes in the lineup are more common in other matches.
Especially since PSG dropped two points in Bilbao (1-1) in the previous matchday and are looking to secure their place in the top eight (by qualifying for the Round of 16) as quickly as possible. Now, we need to accurately assess the “ideal starting eleven” amidst the competition and versatility. Some players seem certainties, but there’s often a clash in attack between Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Bradley Barcola. Warren Zaïre-Emery could also have a say in midfield. And let’s not forget the goalkeeper position, which is a hot topic.
Possible lineup:
Barcola – Dembélé – Kvaratskhelia
Ruiz – Vitinha – Doué
Mendes – Pacho – Marquinhos – Zaïre-Emery
Chevalier
Substitutes – Marin, James, Beraldo, Zabarnyi, Mayulu, Nsoki, Ramos.
Unavailable – Lee, Ndjantou, Neves, Safonov (injury), Hakimi, Mbaye (reste), Hernandez (suspension).
Possible suspension for yellow card accumulation: Nuno Mendes. This would be effective for the home game against Newcastle on January 8th for Matchday 8.
