Dembele Primed to Shine as PSG Prepares Star-Studded Squad Against Bayern Munich in Club World Cup Showdown
Paris Saint-Germain have regained their momentum following their group stage stumble, and they're targeting a spot in the Club World Cup semifinals when they meet Bayern Munich in Atlanta this Saturday.
Their last encounter with the German giants was a disappointing affair for the French side, who suffered a narrow 1–0 loss in Munich that put their Champions League hopes in serious jeopardy.
They have transformed into something truly remarkable since then, and Vincent Kompany understands perfectly that the PSG squad Bayern will encounter this weekend bears no resemblance to the much weaker version from last November.
Luis Enrique has established a successful tactical approach, and with a crucial player from their Champions League journey returning from injury, their starting formation for the quarterfinal can be reasonably anticipated.
PSG Predicted Lineup vs. Bayern Munich (4-3-3)
GK: Gianluigi Donnarumma—The commanding Italian goalkeeper faced minimal challenges against Inter Miami in the round of 16, having allowed only one goal throughout the tournament thus far.
RB: Achraf Hakimi—The dynamic Moroccan defender has displayed little impact from the demanding physical conditions in the United States this summer. Hakimi remains active along the right side, having found the net twice during the competition.
CB: Marquinhos—Enrique chose to rest his skipper for the quarterfinal by substituting him at halftime during their round of 16 match, when they held a commanding 4–0 advantage.
CB: Willian Pacho—The PSG manager selected a relatively compact squad for the competition, resulting in limited rotation. Pacho stands among three players who have participated in every minute of the Club World Cup to date.
LB: Nuno Mendes—The ideal complement to Hakimi's attacking runs. Mendes has emerged as the premier left-back globally, and an exciting duel with Michael Olise awaits in Atlanta.
CM: Vitinha—The reliable Vitinha has also maintained perfect attendance in the U.S. this summer, and he must deliver his finest performance against a Bayern side that has executed exceptional pressing throughout the tournament.
CM: João Neves—Diogo Jota's heartbreaking death would have deeply impacted his two Portuguese teammates in PSG's midfield, and similar to Enzo Maresca's approach with Pedro Neto, Enrique will need to ensure that young Neves and Vitinha are mentally prepared for Saturday's match.
CM: Fabián Ruiz—The elegant Spanish playmaker delivered an excellent performance in the previous round and was rested for this encounter by the coach. Following his halftime substitution in the last 16, Fabián is prepared for an intense midfield battle against the German titleholders.
RW: Désiré Doué—Doué has featured in all four Club World Cup matches but has yet to contribute a goal or assist. Could this be the match where his tournament comes alive?
ST: Ousmané Dembélé—The French forward received a red card during PSG's previous meeting with Bayern, making him eager for a more successful showing in Atlanta. Dembélé recovered from injury in the round of 16 and might be ready to return to Enrique's starting lineup this weekend following his career-best season.
LW: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia—PSG's Georgian sensation has arguably been their standout performer in the Club World Cup, with Kvaratskhelia recording three goal contributions across four starts. The winger will need to be constantly active against Konrad Laimer.