'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAHAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFQABAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABgf/2gAIAQEAAAAAki7/xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAF/9oACAECEAAAADP/xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAC/9oACAEDEAAAAD//xAAhEAACAgIBBAMAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMEBRETAAYVISIz0f/aAAgBAQABPwC8PHZLK0XWAx4wfHYIKjlDBm19m0JOtj9xfYlu9jaluLM00jsQpKq8cvoMN9f/xAAZEQEAAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACAwQAATH/2gAIAQIBAT8As23DGWddz//EABYRAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECAP/aAAgBAwEBPwC7Tf/Z'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have been in sizzling form in the league, winning all their five games. However, their perfect start to the season was ended by Club Brugge in the Champions League, with the Belgian club forcing a share of the spoils against the Ligue 1 giants.
Club Brugge produced an excellent performance, while PSG appeared subdued. The attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe was largely kept quiet as PSG failed to open their campaign with a win.
PSG's focus will now return to Ligue 1, where they'll face Lyon. On that note, here's a look at PSG's possible starting XI for their Ligue 1 game against Lyon.
Goalkeeper - Gianluigi Donnarumma
Keylor Navas was preferred for the game against Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League, with Gianluigi Donnarumma on the bench. This narrative is likely to continue throughout this season.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino is still undecided between Donnarumma and Navas. Both are world-class goalkeepers, so it will be interesting to see how Pochettino manages them. One possible solution is that Navas could play in the Champions League, while Donnarumma operates in Ligue 1.
The Italy international started for PSG in their last Ligue 1 game against Clermont Foot. Donnarumma should be the first-choice goalkeeper for PSG in the near future, though, and also start this game.
Right-back - Achraf Hakimi
Achraf Hakimi's dominant start in Ligue 1 has already made him an endearing figure. Hakimi is one of the best right-backs in the world.
The Morocco international has played for some of the biggest clubs in world football, with PSG being his latest stop. World-class offensively, Hakimi is capable of operating in both full-back positions.
The 22-year-old produced a subdued performance against Club Brugge, and will look to make amends against Lyon.
Centre-back - Marquinhos
Marquinhos is PSG's captain, and one of the few players who is undroppable from the first team.
The Brazil international has excelled at PSG since joining the club in 2013. Marquinhos is one of the best centre-backs in the world. Comfortable on the ball and physically dominant, Marquinhos is truly world-class.
The 27-year-old started the game against Club Brugge. While Marquinhos is a surety in PSG's defence, it will be interesting to see who partners him this season.
Centre-back - Presnel Kimpembe
As Sergio Ramos continues to recover from injury, Presnel Kimpembe has kept his place in the PSG first XI.
Kimpembe was Marquinhos' preferred centre-back partner last season. The 26-year-old is one of the few PSG academy graduates to have become a key first-team member. Last season, Kimpembe was one of the best centre-backs in Ligue 1.
While Kimpembe was preferred ahead of Abdou Diallo and Thilo Kehrer last season, Ramos is a different case. The Spanish great will aim to slot into the PSG XI once he fully recovers.
Left-back - Nuno Mendes
It was slightly surprising to see Abdou Diallo start against Club Brugge ahead of Nuno Mendes.
Mendes, a highly-rated left-back, arrived at PSG this summer. The Portugal international has joined the club on a loan deal from Sporting CP, with an option to buy. It is highly likely that PSG could sign the player permanently.
Mendes has been touted as enjoying a bright future in the game. The 19-year-old was on the bench against Club Brugge and made an appearance as a substitute. A start shouldn't be far away, and that could happen against Lyon.
You may also like: 5 players who deserve more game time in the 2021-22 Premier League season.
Defensive Midfielder - Leandro Paredes
PSG can choose between Leandro Paredes, Danilo Pereira and Idrissa Gueye for their defensive midfield option.
Paredes started the game against Club Brugge, and his passing prowess means he could start against Lyon. The Argentina international was a highly-rated talent during his Roma days, before moving to Zenit Saint Petersburg in 2017.
PSG signed him in 2019 for £36 million. Paredes has not been a regular feature in their midfield, but has done well whenever called upon. The 27-year-old is technically gifted, and can play in central midfield as well.
Central Midfielder - Georginio Wijnaldum
Georginio Wijnaldum was one of PSG's many high-profile arrivals this summer. He has operated in various midfield roles throughout his career.
A goalscoring midfielder during his PSV Eindhoven and Newcastle United days, Wijnaldum was utilised in a deeper role at Liverpool. The Netherlands international is renowned for his work ethic and consistency.
Wijnaldum is one of the leaders in the Netherlands' dressing room. The 30-year-old turned down Barcelona to move to Paris, and could play a key role for the team as the season progresses.
Central Midfielder - Ander Herrera
Ander Herrera has arguably been PSG's best player this season so far, scoring three league goals. He also scored the club's only goal against Club Brugge.
Herrera is not renowned for his goalscoring ability, but he has made a blistering start to the new season.
The 32-year old was linked with a move away from PSG this summer. The club will be glad they kept hold of him, although it is highly likely his goalscoring form could dry up as the season progresses.
You may also like: 5 best U-27 players in world football right now (2021).
Right Winger - Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi's first start as a PSG player ended in disappointment. He looked rusty against Club Brugge, and it is clear he is still short of match fitness.
The Argentine superstar is one of the greatest players to have played the game, so it would not be surprising to see him trouble Lyon's defence.
Messi could be an excellent player for PSG once he rediscovers his mojo. Once the attacking trio of Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe begins to click, opposition defences will have their hands full.
Striker - Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe has been sensational for PSG in the league this season, despite being on the verge of joining Real Madrid.
In the absence of both Neymar and Messi, Mbappe has led the PSG attack with aplomb. The 22-year-old has been in incredible form for his club for some time now.
He is rightly regarded as one of the best players in the game at the moment. However, he endured a quiet outing against Club Brugge, and will look to return to his illustrious self against Lyon.
The France international was heavily linked with Real Madrid this summer, but a move failed to materialise. Mbappe looks set to join the La Liga giants next summer, once his PSG contract expires, though.
Left Winger - Neymar
Neymar, like Lionel Messi, looked rusty against Club Brugge. However, he could be back to his terrifying best against Lyon.
The 29-year-old is a global superstar, one of the greatest players in the game at the moment. Neymar is technically gifted, highly creative and extremely prolific, and he is one of the best dribblers in the game. He is a talismanic presence for both club and country.
Neymar will be happy to play alongside Messi again. The two are good friends with each other, enjoying a trophy-laden stint at Barcelona. Neymar is one of the few players who comes close to Messi's natural ability.
You may also like: Manchester United's possible starting XI for Premier League encounter against West Ham United.
Also Check Out: PSG Transfer News
