Trophée des Champions: Clues to PSG’s Likely Lineup

PSG have already found their rhythm. Paris have just beaten Aston Villa 2-1 in the UEFA Super Cup, with several key players able to get significant minutes under their belts. Lens, meanwhile, head into the game weakened by several major departures.

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Before the Super Cup, Lens could have hoped to take advantage of a PSG side still getting back up to speed. But the match against Aston Villa allowed many Paris players to regain match fitness. Hakimi and Zaïre-Emery played the full 90 minutes, Doué featured for 87, while Vitinha, João Neves and Nuno Mendes also played significant minutes. Dembélé and Akliouche each featured for one half.

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PSG Should Be Better Prepared

PSG will have several more training sessions before Sunday, meaning Luis Enrique’s side should be in better physical condition than they were in Salzburg. The Spanish coach could rotate slightly, particularly with Hakimi, Marquinhos or Doué, but he has plenty of options available. PSG’s probable lineup: Safonov – Zaïre-Emery, Zabarnyi, Pacho, Nuno Mendes – Vitinha, João Neves, Mayulu – Kvaratskhelia, Dembélé, Mbaye.

Lens, for their part, have undergone major changes this summer. Malang Sarr, Mamadou Sangaré, Allan Saint-Maximin, Adrien Thomasson and Wesley Saïd have all left. Yacin Titraoui, Michael Cuisance and Thorgan Hazard have arrived, but the team currently appears weaker than last season. Lens will also be without Baidoo, Celik and Gradit, who are still recovering. Lens’ probable lineup: Risser – Antonio, Ganiou, Nawrocki – Abdulhamid, Bulatovic, Cuisance, Udol – Thauvin, Edouard, Sima.

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Lens will be at home and should have the advantage in the stands, especially with the CUP boycott announced. From a sporting perspective, however, PSG already appear better equipped. After lifting their first trophy of the season, Paris will also head into the match full of confidence.

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