Playing for 90
Fansided

PSG’s predicted line up against SSC Napoli in the UCL.

By Praneet Shetty

Paris Saint-Germain's Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon takes part in a training session in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, western Paris on November 5, 2018, on the eve of the team's Champions' League football match against Napoli. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)
Paris Saint-Germain's Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon takes part in a training session in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, western Paris on November 5, 2018, on the eve of the team's Champions' League football match against Napoli. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
PARIS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 7: Thiago Da Silva of Paris Saint Germain during the French League 1 match between Paris Saint Germain v Olympique Lyon at the Parc des Princes on October 7, 2018 in Paris France (Photo by Jeroen Meuwsen/Soccrates/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 7: Thiago Da Silva of Paris Saint Germain during the French League 1 match between Paris Saint Germain v Olympique Lyon at the Parc des Princes on October 7, 2018 in Paris France (Photo by Jeroen Meuwsen/Soccrates/Getty Images) /

Right Back – Thomas Meunier

A definite starter for this game, Thomas Meunier is the only strong and natural option Paris Saint-Germain have at right back. Having featured in almost all of PSG’s games this season, Meunier is having a great season up to this point. He has performed exceptionally and plays a pivotal role in the squad. The Belgian will be looking to have a good game against Napoli having played well in the first leg as well. PSG will need Meunier’s attacking prowess against Ancelotti’s men in order to initiate successful counter-attacks from the right flank.

Center Back – Thiago Silva

PSG’s captain missed out the first game against Napoli in their group stage after he picked up an injury. Having recovered and played against Lille over the weekend, O Monstro is back and bound to start. Thiago Silva’s presence in the back line for PSG is almost equivalent to having a wall as your defense. Making crucial tackles and clearances and also constantly motivating the team, PSG is lucky to have him and even though he is criticized for chickening out in big games, he has always put forth decent performances. The captain knows whats at stake and as a result Thiago Silva will be one of the most crucial players on and off the pitch for the French giants.

Center Back – Marquinhos

Le Rouge-et-Bleu boast two of the best Brazilian defenders in their backline. Marquinhos has always been consistent for PSG. From playing as a back up to becoming a permanent player in the starting XI, the young Brazilian has come a long way. Marquinhos makes very few errors and playing besides his mentor tends to motivate him even more. The 24 year-old will have to be perfect and avoid any mistake at all. The entire team will have to pay the price if there is a slight loss in concentration from the center backs, and that is certainly not what PSG would want at this stage. Presnel Kimpembe is also another option but Tuchel may choose to start Marquinhos over the Frenchman at the back due to his experience.

Left Back – Juan Bernat

Carlo Ancelotti would be well aware about Juan Bernat’s style of play from their time at Bayern Munich and would’ve made plans for keeping him in check. Bernat has been starting PSG’s matches as left back as team-mate Laywin Kurzawa is still recovering from an injury for which he had to undergo an operation. The Spaniard will have to give his all to prove to the coach his worth and also give a staunch reply to Bayern Munich President Uli Hoeness who criticized his abilities and qualities saying that they were almost knocked out of the Champions League because of his “shit” play. Juan Bernat has a lot at stake and he has to treat this game as a final.

Home/Champions League