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Paris Saint-Germain know they simply need to avoid a defeat in their Champions League semifinal second leg against Bayern Munich on Wednesday to book back-to-back final appearances.
Following their stunning and record-setting 5–4 win at the Parc des Princes last week, PSG hold the advantage heading into their visit to the Allianz Arena. A one-goal lead means a draw or any kind of victory will be enough to secure their spot in the final.
The reigning European champions are well aware of what's required, but getting the job done will be far from straightforward. Another high-octane encounter with Bayern is anticipated as PSG prepare to step into enemy territory.
Achraf Hakimi Injury Disrupts PSG Plans
The biggest blow from PSG's first leg win was the injury suffered by Achraf Hakimi. The right back faces several weeks on the sidelines and will definitely miss the trip to Bayern, with Warren Zaïre-Emery set to deputize in defense—a role he has filled before this season.
Fabián Ruiz will step into midfield to replace Zaïre-Emery, but that looks set to be the only change from last week's first leg for the Ligue 1 side.
Lucas Chevalier is Luis Enrique's only other fitness concern, as the Frenchman continues to deal with a thigh problem. Matvey Safonov, who came under heavy criticism in the first leg, would have kept his place in goal regardless, having established himself as PSG's number one.
PSG Predicted Lineup vs. Bayern (4-3-3)
GK: Matvey Safonov—The PSG shot-stopper was peppered with shots in Paris last week and will face the same relentless attack in Munich. The clinical nature of Bayern's finishing made his task near impossible.
RB: Warren Zaïre-Emery—Hakimi's absence is a notable loss given his attacking contributions, but Zaïre-Emery is well-versed in stepping into that role. Nineteen of his appearances this season have come at makeshift right back, with the Frenchman adapting impressively.
CB: Marquinhos—It took only 12 minutes for Marquinhos to pick up a booking last week, as Bayern's array of attacking threats pulled him into dangerous positions. An even more demanding challenge awaits at the Allianz Arena.
CB: Willian Pacho—Pacho and Marquinhos will be primarily focused on keeping Harry Kane quiet, whose tally of 54 goals across all competitions this season is 36 more than any PSG player.
LB: Nuno Mendes—A fascinating contest unfolded between PSG's left back and Michael Olise in Paris. The latter came out on top, and Mendes will be eager to settle the score on Wednesday.
CM: Fabián Ruiz—Ruiz made only his second start since recovering from injury in the weekend draw with Lorient and should keep his place for the trip to Bavaria with Zaïre-Emery shifted back.
CM: Vitinha—Vitinha struggled to stamp his usual authority on a frantic first leg, but PSG will be counting on his ability to control the tempo in Germany.
CM: João Neves—An unlikely scorer from a corner last week despite his slight build, Neves continues to shine as the quiet driving force in a remarkable PSG side.
RW: Désiré Doué—Doué may not have found the net in the first leg, but he still contributed two assists. A compelling matchup with Alphonso Davies awaits.
ST: Ousmane Dembélé—Dembélé's form has dipped from his Ballon d'Or-winning season, yet he has rediscovered his best in recent Champions League outings. A brace at Anfield was followed by another double against Bayern.
LW: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia—Bayern were powerless to stop Kvaratskhelia from stealing the spotlight. The tireless Georgian is expected to spearhead PSG's attacking threat in the second leg.