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PSG will be looking to recover from their 2-1 loss to Manchester City as they travel to take on Saint-Etienne on Sunday. Mauricio Pochettino's men haven't hit the levels expected of them in the early stages of the 2021-22 season. But they continue to maintain an 11 point lead at the top of the Ligue 1 table.
Their opponents Saint-Etienne are currently 19th but a positive result could help them climb out of the drop zone. Claude Puel's men are unbeaten in their last four matches and will host PSG on Sunday on the back of successive wins over Clermont Foot and Troyes.
PSG have a number of concerns with respect to their squad ahead of the Ligue 1 encounter against Saint-Etienne. Without further ado, let's take a look at PSG's predicted starting XI for the game against Saint-Etienne.
PSG Possible Lineup against Saint-Etienne
Goalkeeper - Gianluigi Donnarumma
Keylor Navas is suspended for the game against Saint-Etienne. He was shown a red card for bringing down Ludovic Blas inside the penalty area in the game against Nantes last weekend. As a result, Donnarumma will return to guard the sticks for Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday.
Right-back - Colin Dagba
With Achraf Hakimi failing to impress in recent weeks, it might be time for Colin Dagba to get a look in. The 23-year-old last appeared for PSG in late October and is likely to make a return to the starting lineup here. Since PSG are squaring off against minnows St Etienne, we could see some rotation across the backline.
Centre-back - Marquinhos
Marquinhos is likely to keep his place at the heart of defence. The PSG captain did a decent job against Manchester City at the Etihad and Pochettino will rely on his experience to keep the Saint Etienne attackers at bay.
Centre-back - Thilo Kehrer
Pochettino is likely to rotate his backline and Thilo Kehrer could start alongside Marquinhos at centre-back.
Left-back - Nuno Mendes
Nuno Mendes put in quite a shift against Manchester City. He deserves to start here against Saint Etienne. It's the perfect time for the youngster to start building on his impressive performances. He will be a great attacking outlet for PSG against Claude Puel's side.
Defensive midfielder - Danilo Pereira
Paris Saint-Germain have an array of injury problems in midfield. Marco Verratti and Georginio Wijnaldum have been ruled out with injuries. The Italian international is expected to be out for three weeks while the Dutchman is sidelined with a knee injury.
Ander Herrera is another casualty. He suffered a hamstring injury in the Champions League game against Manchester City in midweek. The Spaniard is expected to be out for a month as well.
With Rafinha and Julian Draxler also in the nursing room, Pochettino is running short of options in midfield. Leandro Paredes did not impress in midweek against the Cityzens. He could sit this one out. As a result, Danilo Pereira could return to the starting lineup.
Pereira will play at the base of midfield and is likely to be partnered with...
Defensive midfielder - Idrissa Gueye
Idrissa Gueye suffered a muscular discomfort during the game against Manchester City in midweek. He didn't have a particularly impressive outing either in midweek but due to Paris Saint-Germain's mounting injury problems, he could be handed another start here.
The Senegalese international fared well in PSG's 3-1 win over Nantes last weekend and he ought to be able to produce a similar performance on Sunday.
Attacking midfielder - Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi opened his account in Ligue 1 with a goal against Nantes last weekend. However, he followed that up with a colourless display against Manchester City. The Argentina international came under a lot of criticism for being a passenger against Pep Guardiola's side.
Messi has been deployed in a free-roaming role behind the attacking line in recent weeks. Pochettino will hope for a response from Messi after that midweek performance. The Saint Etienne backline has looked solid in recent outings. As such, PSG could use Messi's incredible technical ability and vision to unlock their defence on Sunday.
Due to their injury issues in midfield, Paris Saint-Germain will be forced to field a healthy number of attackers. Pochettino will be hoping that they can use this game to build a better understanding with each other.
Right winger - Angel Di Maria
Angel Di Maria has produced a handful of matchwinning performances for Paris Saint-Germain already this season. The Argentina international has two goals and three assists in eight Ligue 1 appearances so far this term.
He was unable to provide a spark for PSG after coming on as a substitute in midweek against Manchester City. Di Maria will be keen to impress here. His ability to weave intricate passes in and around the final third could prove to be a real asset for PSG on Sunday against Saint-Etienne.
Left winger - Neymar Jr.
It hasn't been a great season for Neymar Jr. The Brazilian international has scored three goals and provided three assists in nine Ligue 1 appearances so far but he has not consistently delivered the goods for his side.
Neymar has also not hit the heights we all know he is capable of this term. It looks like one of those seasons where a solid performance could help him kick into gear. Sunday's game against Saint Etienne will be a great opportunity for Neymar to bounce back after an underwhelming outing against Manchester City.
PSG need Neymar at his best if they are to maximize their potential and mount a challenge on all fronts this season.
Striker - Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe has been in sublime form of late. He has scored a whopping 11 goals and provided eight assists in his last 10 matches for club and country. Mbappe opened the scoring for PSG against Manchester City.
He has been Paris Saint-Germain's best player this season by a mile. Mbappe is capable of producing the spectacular and has that X-factor which enables him to change a game on its head all by himself.
The Frenchman has scored nine goals and provided 12 assists in 18 appearances across all competitions for PSG this term. He has to be the first name on the teamsheet these days for Mauricio Pochettino.
