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For the third consecutive season, PSG and RB Leipzig will meet in the Champions League. Their latest clash will be at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday in what promises to be another thrilling encounter.
Just like last year, the sides have been drawn in the same group this season as well. While the Parisians are running away at the top of the table, the Red Bulls are at rock bottom, though.
They've lost both their games so far, including a disappointing 2-1 reverse at home to Club Brugge, leaving them without a point after two games. Life under new manager Jesse Marsch has been tough enough, as the side has flattered to deceive even in the Bundesliga.
So another loss at the hands of the French giants would virtually spell the end of their European campaign. However, there's plenty of quality in their ranks to rule that out just yet.
PSG, like in all three of their previous clashes against Leipzig, can expect another tight game. On that note, here's a look at how both teams would stack up in a hypothetical combined XI (in a 4-1-4-1 formation).
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG)
Peter Gulacsi is a terrific goalkeeper and would take this place against many other teams. But when Gianluigi Donnarumma is also in the hat, it's difficult to choose Gulacsi over the Italian.
After six impressive seasons at AC Milan, where he propelled himself to stardom, the 22-year-old joined PSG this summer. The Euro 2020 winner has taken to his new surroundings like a fish to water.
Praised for his physical strengths, technical abilities, composure in goal and excellent reflexes, Donnarumma is widely hailed as one of the best in the business.
He kept a clean sheet against Manchester City on his Champions League debut last month. Donnarumma will now gun for a repeat against Leipzig on Tuesday.
Right-back: Achraf Hakimi (PSG)
If it weren't for Trent Alexander-Arnold, the title of the best full-back in the world now would've been with PSG's Achraf Hakimi. He's a force to reckon with down the right, and brings much attacking quality.
Discarded at Real Madrid, the Moroccan star refined his talents at Borussia Dortmund before realising his potential under Antonio Conte at Inter Milan.
Now he's making waves at PSG. A powerful and dynamic full-back with exceptional creative skills and crossing ability, Hakimi possesses upfield movements that could discomfit Leipzig.
Centre-back: Marquinhos (PSG)
PSG captain Marquinhos is more than just a leader on the pitch. He's a defensive talisman, coming up trumps for his side consistently to etch his name among the best centre-backs of his generation.
In addition to his defensive skills, Marquinhos is also known for his vision, intelligence, composure and elegance on the ball. He can play the ball out, and start offensive plays from the back too.
His threat from set-pieces is another attribute. Marquinhos can nod home a goal or two from those situations, just as he did in PSG last-8 clash with Leipzig last year.
Centre-back: Willy Orban (RB Leipzig)
An instrumental figure for Leipzig in defence over the last six years, Willi Orban is an accomplished centre-back. He has made over 200 appearances for the club and, at 28, is currently in the prime of his career.
A versatile ball-playing defender, Orban is blessed with tall stature, which helps him cover his opposite numbers. It also allows the player to clear incoming aerial dangers.
Left-back: Angelino (RB Leipzig)
Angelino's availability for this PSG clash has boosted Leipzig's attacking options,, as he can be unstoppable down the left flank. The young Galician fireball was having a stupendous loan spell at the club last season, before injury curtailed his time on the pitch.
Nevertheless, the Red Bulls proceeded to sign him permanently from Manchester City.
Angelino is a tenacious defender but an ever more spirited attacker who's at his best in the final third. He loves crosses, contributing 19 goals last season (netting eight and assisting 11).
Central Midfielder: Marco Verratti (PSG)
Marco Verratti is an underrated jewel in PSG's crown. He brings so much to the side in terms of quality, yet his name is almost never in the reckoning in the conversation about the best players in the squad.
A quick, agile, creative and technically-gifted midfielder, the Italian international is key to retaining possession for PSG in tight spaces.
His range of passing enables him to control the tempo of his side's play through precise but short exchanges. Against Leipzig's marauding attackers, Verratti may have to muster every ounce of his defensive skills to keep them at bay.
Central Midfielder: Amadou Haidara (RB Leipzig)
Speaking of underrated players, he's another one. Amadou Haidara has been making serious strides with Leipzig since last season, but that has not been discussed enough.
The 23-year-old Malian international has been deployed as part of a central midfield pairing by new coach Jesse Marcsh. Suffice to say, that has been working wonders.
He's fast becoming a mainstay in Leipzig's midfield, and his performances are improving with every game. He has also scored thrice for them already. half as many as he managed in the entirety of the 2020-21 season. PSG would underestimate him at their own peril.
Right Winger: Lionel Messi (PSG)
His time with PSG has hardly been perfect. But with a stunning effort against Manchester City, Lionel Messi provided a glimpse of his prowess. The former Barcelona ace also had a very productive international break, something that might help him to blossom at PSG.
He has never played against RB Leipzig before. So it's an opportunity for him to go one clear of Cristiano Ronaldo (36) for goals scored against the most number of different teams in the Champions League.
Attacking Midfielder: Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig)
One of the biggest revelations of the 2021-22 season thus far, Christopher Nkunku is currently in the form of his life. He has scored nine goals and made four assists in all competitions for RB Leipzig, including a stunning hat-trick against Manchester City.
Tormenting opposition defences with his blistering pace and dribbling skills, he can also create danger with his accurate set-piece deliveries. Nkunku would be raring to get one back against his old club.
Left Winger: Dominik Szoboszlai (RB Leipzig)
RB Leipzig stunned the footballing world with the signing of Hungary's rising star Dominik Szoboszlai in the summer, doing so right under all the big clubs' noses. However, being a sister club to RB Salzburg also helped.
So far, the 20-year-old has impressed only in bits and parts, but has managed to rack up two goals and as many assists in seven league games for them.
An exceptional set-piece taker blessed with incredible speed and devastating finishing skills, Szoboszlai could wreak havoc if PSG don't keep him in check.
Striker: Kylian Mbappe (PSG)
Kylian Mbappe had a rough patch of form on the club front before the international break. But his heroics with France in their Nations League success have restored his confidence.
With five goals and six assists in all competitions for PSG so far this season, the 22-year-old has had a good run. But he is yet to open his account in Europe this season. Mbappe will be eager to end that on Tuesday.
