Key Takeaways
- Paris Saint-Germain will rotate their squad heavily for the match against FC Lorient this afternoon.
- Young defenders Willian Pacho and Warren Zaïre-Emery are set to start due to suspensions and injuries in the back line.
- Third-choice goalkeeper Renato Marin could make his league debut between the sticks.
Paris Saint-Germain hold a comfortable six-point advantage at the top of the Ligue 1 table. They sit clear of RC Lens. This lead allows the French champions to focus mainly on their upcoming UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against Bayern Munich. That crucial clash takes place on Wednesday.
Because of this, manager Luis Enrique plans to make many changes to his starting eleven for today’s game. He wants to keep his main players fresh for Europe. Most regular starters will get a rest. However, two young talents are expected to feature from the beginning. Willian Pacho should play as the right-sided centre-back. Warren Zaïre-Emery will likely take up the right-back position.
These defensive changes are necessary. Illia Zabarnyi is suspended and cannot play. Achraf Hakimi is also out with an injury. In goal, Renato Marin might get his first appearance in the league. He is the third-choice keeper. Matvey Safonov will probably rest on the bench. Meanwhile, Lucas Chevalier has suffered an injury that could keep him out for the rest of the season. This blow might also end his hopes of playing in the World Cup.
The predicted line-up sees Marin in goal. The defence could include Senny Mayulu, Lucas Hernandez, Willian Pacho, and Warren Zaïre-Emery. In midfield, expect Fabián Ruiz, Lucas Beraldo, and Dro Fernández. The attack may feature Ibrahim Mbaye, Lee Kang-in, and Bradley Barcola.