Manchester City travel to France this week to face PSG in the Champions League, in what will be one of the biggest matches in European football so far this season.
Despite stuttering at times, PSG have eight wins from eight Ligue 1 matches in the current campaign, and they find themselves nine points clear of second place already. Even now that looks like an insurmountable gap for other French club to close, and it will allow Mauricio Pochettino to give more thought to the Champions League.
Manchester City are in a far more competitive situation, one point off top and in a group of four clubs who have amassed 13 points after six matches.
Monday’s edition of L’Equipe looks at PSG’s potential team for the match against Pep Guardiola’s side, and they say there’s no certainty Lionel Messi will be ready enough to start.
The Argentine has 100 minutes in Ligue 1 so far this season, and 90 in Europe, the latter coming in the 1-1 draw with Club Brugge. He’s sat out the past two Ligue 1 matches, with what’s been reported as a bruised knee, and whilst L’Equipe believe he’ll be in the squad for the Manchester City match, they say there’s no guarantee he’ll be able to start.
Marco Verratti is the other key doubt, with the midfielder not having played since September 5th, and whilst he’s back in training there’s worry over whether he’ll be able to start.
L’Equipe’s predicted line-up is: K. Navas – Hakimi, Marquinhos (cap.), Kimpembe, Nuno Mendes (or A. Diallo) – A. Herrera, Paredes, I. Gueye – Messi (or Icardi), Mbappé, Neymar.
