It is not every day that one would see Paris Saint-Germain struggle in Ligue 1. The last time that the club had a notable down period in league play was during the end of the 2018-2019 campaign when the club won just three of its last nine fixtures in the season. But during that time, PSG had already locked up the league. This time around, PSG has only won one of its last four league fixtures and currently stands in third place.
PSG usually do not have must-win league fixtures in the first half of the season, but this match against Lorient is as close as it would get to be one for the club. With no Neymar and pressure mounting once again on the club, here is how manager Thomas Tuchel is rolling out his starting 11 against Lorient.
🆗✔️ Le 1⃣1⃣ de départ 🆚 Lorient #PSGFCL
🔴🔵 #ICICESTPARIS pic.twitter.com/vnyx75GbFe
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) December 16, 2020
Sergio Rico is starting for the club at goalkeeper in place of Keylor Navas, who is being rested after taking part in multiple consecutive key fixtures. This will be Rico’s fourth start of the season.
With Tuchel electing to go with another three-at-the-back setup, Danilo Pereira will have to once again step up and lead PSG’s backline. Presnel Kimpembe is beginning the game on the bench while Marquinhos is out due to a slight injury issue.
Rafinha will be the main talent in the midfield for this contest. Many deem the Brazilian as the midfielder who has been in the best form as of late for the club.
As mentioned, Neymar is out for this contest due to an ankle injury suffered in the recent Lyon fixture. Thus, Kylian Mbappe will have to lead PSG to triumph in this fixture. The French forward has scored 10 goals in Ligue 1 play over this season.
PSG has won an astounding 11 straight fixtures in all competitions against Lorient.
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