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Ligue 1 giants PSG and AS Monaco will lock horns at the Parc des Princes tonight in a blockbuster clash.
The Parisians are currently running away with the league, with an 11-point advantage atop the table. However, they've drawn their last two games, and will be eager to return to winning ways in this match.
The Monegasques, meanwhile, are down in eighth with seven wins from 17 games, including one in their last two. Niko Kovac's side are unbeaten in their last eight games across competitions, including five in the league. They pulled off an unlikely 'league double' over PSG last season.
Can they make it three in a row against PSG for the first time in over 20 years? Or would PSG exact revenge? Ahead of the mouth-watering kick-off, here's a look at how PSG and Monaco would stack up in a hypothetical combined XI:
Goalkeeper: Keylor Navas (PSG)
It was a tough choice between three fine goalkeepers - Gianluigi Donnarumma, Keylor Navas and Alexander Nubel. However, the Costa Rican has statistically been the best among the trio.
He has kept the most clean sheets (4), while playing the fewest number of games (10) and conceding the fewest goals too (9). He also has the fifth-best clean sheet percentage (40) in the French top flight this season.
Donnarumma's arrival in the summer has hurt the former Real Madrid custodian's first-team chances, but he's clearly not going down without a fight. Turning 35 on Wednesday, Navas is well into the twilight of his career. However, his performances show that he still has a few more years left at the top.
Right-back: Achraf Hakimi (PSG)
Achraf Hakimi has developed into a world-class full-back over the last few years, although the going has been tough lately for him with PSG.
The Moroccan hasn't scored or assisted in their last ten league games. However, he remains vital in terms of offering width down the flanks and making exquisite crosses.
Centre-back: Guillermo Maripan (AS Monaco)
The Monegasques have the joint fourth-best defensive record in Ligue 1 this season (20 goals conceded in 17). Guillermo Maripan has had a big role to play in it.
He's positionally aware, and reads the game brilliantly, making vital clearances. He has also averaged 90% successful passes in the league. PSG will provide Maripan a tough test of his skills, though.
Centre-back: Marquinhos (PSG)
Marquinhos is more than just a defender. He's PSG's captain fantastic, a saviour and a battering ram for opposition attackers.
The Brazilian is having another fine season in 2021-22, averaging 3.8 clearances per match while also chipping in with three goals.
Left-back: Caio Henrique (AS Monaco)
Caio Henrique has already equalled his assist tally of five from last season in just 15 games this time, showing his growing influence in the team. It's also the joint-most in the Monaco squad.
The Brazilian has brought about a new dimension to their attack, with his penchant for key passes and deadly link-up play.
Defensive Midfielder: Aurelien Tchouameni (AS Monaco)
Monaco's Aurelien Tchouameni rose to fame with his eye-catching performances last season. That helped attract interest from big guns like Chelsea as he also broke into France's national set-up.
Tchouameni has been a mainstay in Monaco's set-up since arriving from Bordeaux last year. The star excels in ball-recoveries, pressing off-the-ball and winning aerial duels.
Right Winger: Angel Di Maria (PSG)
Neymar is ruled out of the clash yet again. So that means it could be another start for Angel Di Maria, an underrated operator in PSG's star-studded squad.
Creativity is his forte, but the Argentine also possesses incredible spatial intelligence and set-piece prowess. He has contributed six league goals in 11 games this season.
Attacking Midfielder: Sofiane Diop (AS Monaco)
With in-form Kevin Volland suspended from this clash, Sofiane Diop is likely to come in and pull the strings for Monaco from the centre of the park.
The 21-year-old has been an absolute revelation, garnering attention for his immaculate first touch and eye for goal. He has struck five times in the league while making an assist this season.
Left Winger: Lionel Messi (PSG)
He has shone for PSG in the UEFA Champions League, netting five times from as many games. However, Lionel Messi has been unable to find his shooting boots in the league - scoring just once in nine games.
Nevertheless, he offers so much to PSG - invention, technique, energy, dynamism and skill. All of them help the side unlock opposition defences and create numerous chances.
Striker: Kylian Mbappe (PSG)
With seven goals and eight assists in 16 games, PSG's Kylian Mbappe has taken Ligue 1 by storm this season. No other player has had more goal involvements than him in the French top flight this campaign.
He is blessed with electric pace, precocious dribbling skills and the cutting edge of a Swiss knife. The Frenchman will be raring to bag a few more goals against his former side.
Striker: Wissam Ben Yedder (AS Monaco)
Strikers like Mbappe, Robert Lewandowski, Mohamed Salah and Karim Benzema have dominated the headlines this season. However, Wissam Ben Yedder has largely operated under the radar.
Nevertheless, he has bagged nine league goals this season, which is more than Mbappe. Ben Yedder has been the driving force behind Monaco's surging run this campaign, and could be a huge threat to PSG too.
