PSG predicted starting XI vs Stade de Reims: Hakimi, Dembele to be rested

On the eve of the Reims vs PSG match, we can already outline the expected lineups for both sides. Compared to their last match against Girona, several changes are expected in PSG’s starting XI.

Just three days after their narrow and last-minute 1-0 victory against Girona in the Champions League, PSG return to action this Saturday evening at Reims in Ligue 1’s MD5.

Despite the quick turnaround following their European fixture, Luis Enrique's line-up for this Reims vs PSG clash is beginning to take shape, although some uncertainties remain.

PSG predicted starting XI vs Stade de Reims: Hakimi, Dembele to be rested

PSG have provide an update on Marco Asensio’s fitness, and he will not play against Reims after being substituted in the first half against Girona due to a 'pinch' in his thigh.

Gianluigi Donnarumma has also spent the week undergoing treatment for a muscular issue in his thigh, with Matvey Safonov expected to continue in goal.

In defence, Achraf Hakimi has played nearly every minute of the season so far (444 out of 450 possible minutes), not to mention the 180 minutes he played with Morocco during the September international break, just weeks after participating in the Olympics. This trip to Reims seems like a good opportunity to rest him, at least from the start.

To replace Hakimi, Luis Enrique could turn to Yoram Zague or even Warren Zaire-Emery, who filled in at that position in a hybrid role several times last season and was in great form on Wednesday against Girona.

Marquinhos, who was rested against Brest in the previous league game, could start again alongside Willian Pacho, as he did against Girona. Nuno Mendes may also be rested on the left, allowing Lucas Beraldo to start, having only played a few seconds on Wednesday.

In midfield, Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz played only 63 minutes in the Champions League this week and could start again. If Zaire-Emery is used at right-back, Joao Neves is likely to start, having impressed off the bench against Girona and started PSG’s last three Ligue 1 matches.

Up front, Kang-In Lee is likely to replace Ousmane Dembele, who has started PSG’s last four matches and played 112 minutes for France during the international break.

On the left, Bradley Barcola, who has only played 281 minutes so far this season, could start unless Luis Enrique opts for Desire Doue, despite his poor showing on Wednesday. With Marco Asensio unlikely to play, Randal Kolo Muani is expected to lead the attack.

PSG's predicted lineup vs Reims: Safonov - Zague (or Zaire-Emery), Marquinhos, Pacho, Beraldo - Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz (or Zaire-Emery) - Lee, Kolo Muani, Doue.

For Stade de Reims, who have recently drawn with Marseille and secured back-to-back 2-1 victories over Rennes and Nantes after trailing, Luka Elsner will be without Gabriel Moscardo, who is on loan from PSG.

The Brazilian midfielder, according to his coach, is dealing with "more structural than muscular issues with his hip and pelvis" and is not yet ready for the match.

Kenyan central defender Joseph Okumu (groin) and Franco-Ivorian defender Abdoul Kone (hamstring) are also sidelined, while young Ivorian midfielder Amadou Kone is serving the final game of his suspension.

Reims are expected to field almost the same starting XI that played against Nantes last weekend, with just one change: Keito Nakamura, who scored the winning goal against Nantes in the 90th+1 minute, is expected to start on the left wing in place of Yaya Fofana.

Reims' predicted lineup vs PSG: Diouf - Buta, Kipre, Agbadou, Sangui - Munetsi, Atangana, Teuma (c) - Ito, Diakite, Nakamura.