Predicting PSG’s Lineup Against Reims: Cavani Out as Transfer Rumors Heat Up

If there’s one team that has had Paris Saint-Germain’s number recently, it’s Stade de Reims.

The Champagne club defeated PSG on the last day of the 2018-19 season and last September, they came away victorious at the Parc des Princes. On Wednesday night, the two sides face off again in the semi-finals of the Coupe de la Ligue for a chance to play Olympique Lyonnais in the final.

During his pre-match press conference, manager Thomas Tuchel was asked about what makes Reims so difficult to play against as reported by Le Parisien.

“It’s difficult to create opportunities against them. We will analyze and try to show our qualities. You will have to be patient. We lost twice against them but we are ready. We absolutely want to play this final.”

This is the last year of the Coupe de la Ligue and PSG will be eager to win their ninth title and send the competition out with a band. To help them reach the final against Lyon, here is who I think Tuchel should start:

Formation: 4-4-2

Goalkeeper: Sergio Rico

Defenders: Layvin Kurzawa, Presnel Kimpembe, Abdou Diallo, Thomas Meunier

Midfielders: Marquinhos, Marco Verratti

Forwards: Neymar Jr., Angel Di Maria, Mauro Icardi, Kylian Mbappé

A place in a cup final is on the line and out of respect for the competition, I predict Tuchel will go with a very strong lineup—even if I would prefer Kylian Mbappé and Neymar Jr. come off the bench.

Against Reims, I believe Tuchel will go with a UEFA Champions League quality midfield and attack. On defense, he’ll have to tinker a bit with Thiago Silva and Thilo Kehrer out of the 19-man squad entirely.

Speaking of absences, Edinson Cavani is out of the squad as he hopes for a January transfer to Atlético Madrid. If not for the transfer request, I believe this is a match in which El Matador could start.

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Tags Abdou Diallo Angel Di Maria Coupe de la Ligue Edinson Cavani Kylian Mbappé Layvin Kurzawa Marco Verratti Marquinhos Mauro Icardi Neymar Presnel Kimpembe Sergio Rico Stade de Reims Thiago Silva Thilo Kehrer Thomas Meunier Thomas Tuchel
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