PSG's possible starting XI for Ligue 1 encounter against Montpellier

PSG will look to keep their perfect start to the new Ligue 1 season intact as they host Montpellier at the Parc des Princes on Saturday night.

Paris Saint-Germain have perhaps the most star-studded squad in all of Europe and their record in the new Ligue 1 season matches it. Mauricio Pochettino's men have won all seven of their league games so far and already have a seven-point advantage over the competition.

The Parisiens beat Metz 2-1 in their latest outing thanks to a brace from Achraf Hakimi. Metz were reduced to 10-men in second-half stoppage time and the Moroccan full-back fired a late winner for PSG in the dying embers of the game.

Montpellier are currently tenth in the Ligue 1 table with two wins and three draws after seven matches. They can be quite tough on their day but are likely to find this powerful PSG side difficult to break down.

Without further ado, let's take a look at how PSG could line up against Montpellier.

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Paris Saint Germain (PSG) possible starting XI vs Montpellier

Goalkeeper - Keylor Navas

Mauricio Pochettino picked Keylor Navas to guard the sticks in PSG's most recent outing against Metz. Donnarumma is reportedly carrying a knock and is likely to sit this out as well. Earlier reports had suggested that Pochettino was likely to use Navas in the Champions League while Donnarumma would play in the league.

But we're yet to find out exactly where Pochettino stands on using the two world-class goalkeepers at his disposal.

Right-back - Achraf Hakimi

Achraf Hakimi has been a signing-and-a-half for PSG so far. The right-back has contributed generously in the goalscoring department. He has three goals and two assists in six Ligue 1 appearances this season and has been extremely impressive in the opening stages of the season.

Centre-back - Marquinhos

Brazilian international Marquinhos has been a reliable presence at the back for PSG. He has not been at his very best in recent weeks but just needs a good performance to get back on track. Montpellier look like a good opposition for him to try and turn his form around against.

Centre-back - Presnel Kimpembe

Sergio Ramos is still out injured and Presnel Kimpembe will keep his place in the starting lineup. He is yet to help PSG keep a cleansheet this season and will be looking to change that and stake his claim on a starting berth.

Left-back - Nuno Mendes

Nuno Mendes started both of PSG's latest games against Lyon and Metz but hasn't been able to offer much of note. He is still expected to keep his place in the lineup.

Defensive midfielder - Leandro Paredes

It looks like Mauricio Pochettino has a rotation policy when it comes to his midfield. Leandro Paredes hasn't featured extensively for Paris Saint-Germain this season. In fact, he has only made two appearances for PSG this season.

His only start came against Club Brugge but he was taken off at half-time after picking up a yellow card. Paredes is expected to be part of a double pivot here against Montpellier.

Defensive midfielder - Ander Herrera

Ander Herrera has been a standout performer for Paris Saint-Germain in the new season. He has appeared in all of PSG's seven Ligue 1 matches so far and has started five of them.

The former Manchester United midfielder has been an unlikely goalscoring outlet for Paris Saint-Germain this term. He has scored four goals and provided two assists across Ligue 1 and the UEFA Champions League so far this season.

He will slot in alongside Leandro Paredes in defensive midfield and it'll be interesting to see how the duo fare alongside each other.

Attacking midfielder - Neymar Jr.

It was Neymar's crisp pass that set up Achraf Hakimi to score PSG's winner in the closing stages of their encounter against Metz. The Brazilian wasn't exactly at his free-flowing best but still managed to have quite a few moments.

The 29-year-old is likely to interchange positions with the rest of his fellow attackers. But we fully expect him to drop deep and carry the ball forward and orchestrate play as he loves to do.

Left-winger - Kylian Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe has been named Ligue 1 Player of the Month for August. The Frenchman was a livewire for PSG in the game against Metz. He has four goals and three assists to his name in seven Ligue 1 appearances so far this season.

Mbappe had got off to a flying start to the season but a few fitness issues have crept up in recent weeks. It will be interesting to see whether the 22-year-old can shake it off and get on with his game.

Right-winger - Angel Di Maria

Angel Di Maria was used as a substitute in the game against Metz. He featured in the last 25 minutes of the match but couldn't really assert himself. In Lionel Messi's absence, Di Maria will take up his place on the right wing.

He will look to cut inside and try to feed the likes of Mbappe and Icardi. Di Maria's precise passing goes a long way towards breaking down low-blocks and his skillset is expected to come in handy against Montpellier.

Striker - Mauro Icardi

In Lionel Messi's absence, Mauro Icardi is getting an unlikely run in the starting XI. He needs to capitalize on it. The Argentina international started the season well with two goals in two games but his contributions have dwindled since then.

But in all fairness, he has only started four games this season. Icardi will lead the line for PSG as he did against Metz but he will be hoping that he can be more assertive on Saturday night.