Psg’s champions league final lineup: hakimi’s return and attacking dilemmas

The highly anticipated Champions League final is set for Saturday evening, and for defending champions Paris Saint-Germain, a significant question looms: will key players Achraf Hakimi and Ousmane Dembélé be fit to start?

Manager Luis Enrique faces some challenging decisions as he finalizes his squad. Here’s a look at the probable composition for PSG.

Matvej Safonov is expected to take his place between the posts. He unexpectedly became the preferred choice over Lucas Chevalier midway through the season.

In defense, the left-back position appears undisputed, with Nuno Mendes, one of PSG’s standout performers, set to feature. The central defensive partnership will likely consist of Marquinhos and Willian Pacho.

hakimi’s starting status: confirmed?

On the right flank, Enrique must decide whether to reinstate Achraf Hakimi, who has been sidelined since the semi-final clash against Bayern Munich. The expectation is that the Moroccan international will indeed start, getting the nod ahead of Warren Zaïre-Emery.

While the talented French youngster could easily slot into midfield, a well-established trio has dominated that area throughout the season. João Neves, Vitinha, and Fabián Ruiz are also anticipated to line up against Arsenal.

Upfront, Enrique’s choices are particularly complex. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is projected to start on the left wing; the Georgian forward is an undeniable starter in the Spanish coach’s offensive scheme. Leading the attack, Ousmane Dembélé is expected to feature.

Despite lingering doubts about his physical condition, Dembélé should be fully recovered in time for kick-off. For the right-wing position, Enrique is likely to favor Désiré Doué, potentially at the expense of Bradley Barcola and Portuguese striker Gonçalo Ramos.

Paris Saint-Germain’s probable starting XI: Safonov; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz; Doué, Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia.