Athletic Bilbao vs PSG: Predicted lineup for Champions League battle

After a dominant 5-0 home victory over Rennes this weekend, Luis Enrique and his team will face La Liga side Athletic Bilbao in their sixth League Phase game of the Champions League. A victory in this game is crucial as it could secure them a top-8 finish and a guaranteed knockout stage spot for the European Champions.

Unfortunately, this side will have some key players missing, including Ousmane Dembélé, Achraf Hakimi, Lucas Beraldo, Lucas Chevalier through injuries or illness while Lucas Hernandez is suspended following his red card against the Spurs. Additionally, Nuno Mendes and Désiré Doué made their return to the group and should feature in this upcoming game.

Here is Les Parisiens' predicted starting XI against Bilbao.

PSG Predicted Lineup vs. Bilbao (4-3-3)

GK: Matvey Safonov - After an impressive performance against Rennes over the weekend in his first appearance of the season, Safonov is set to make his Champions League season debut against Bilbao tomorrow.

RB: Warren Zaire-Emery - Since Hakimi's injury, Warren Zaire-Emery has proved that he could be a reliable option to replace the Moroccan at the right-back position.

CB: Marquinhos - Club captain Marquinhos should partner Willian Pacho in the heart of PSG's backline. Though, there could be a slight chance to see Illia Zabarnyi take his spot in the starting XI.

CB: Willian Pacho - Willian Pacho will start next to Marquinhos at the centre-back position. The Ecuadorian has been the most reliable player for this side in defence this season.

LB: Nuno Mendes - With Lucas Hernandez suspended following his red card against Tottenham, Nuno Mendes is set to make his return to the starting line-up as Paris face Bilbao on the road. Hopefully, he will not suffer anymore setbacks on his return to action.

CDM: Vitinha - Vitinha is a crucial piece of Luis Enrique's system and the architect of most of their offence. He will once again play a key role if Paris is to defeat Bilbao.

CM: Fabian Ruiz - Fabian Ruiz should start this game, after starting their last game on the bench in their dominant win over Rennes.

CM: Joao Neves - Neves is set to start as Luis Enrique should start with his strongest midfielders against Bilbao.

RW: Bradley Barcola - The France international should be the one starting against Bilbao, however, Kang-In Lee is in superb form at the moment and could be the one chosen by Luis Enrique.

LW: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia - The Georgian delivered an outstanding game against Rennes over the weekend and now seems on his way back to his best. He will therefore be expected to led his side in this game.

ST: Senny Mayulu - Mayulu had several top-level performances this season at this position domestically and in the Champions League. With Dembélé set to miss the clash against Bilbao, he is the best option.