PSG Face Tottenham Without Neves as Star-Studded Attack Takes Center Stage
When Paris Saint-Germain participated in the UEFA Super Cup, it was structured as a two-legged competition, marking their sole appearance in this annual tournament to this day.
Following their triumph in the 1994–95 European Cup Winners' Cup, the Parisian club was thoroughly dominated by Juventus, suffering a crushing 9–2 aggregate defeat after falling 6–1 in the opening leg on home soil.
The French giants will be eager for a more positive experience as they return to this competition in Udine, where they'll meet first-time participants Tottenham Hotspur. Despite their setback against Chelsea in the Club World Cup final, PSG remains the planet's premier team and could be poised to deliver their own Super Cup masterclass this Wednesday.
Below is how the Champions League victors might arrange their starting eleven against Thomas Frank's Tottenham side.
PSG Predicted Lineup vs. Tottenham (4-3-3)
GK: Lucas Chevalier—While Gianluigi Donnarumma was instrumental in their European triumph last campaign, he appears destined for departure due to contractual disagreements. With his absence from the Udine trip, newly acquired Chevalier takes the number one position.
RB: Achraf Hakimi—The constant attacking menace from the right flank. Luis Enrique has optimized Hakimi's capabilities throughout his two-season tenure, and he'll undoubtedly be prowling the attacking zones against a Spurs squad expected to adopt a defensive approach.
CB: Marquinhos—The experienced center-back finally claimed the ultimate prize following years of disappointment. While PSG have acquired Illia Zabarnyi from Bournemouth, Marquinhos retains his starting role.
CB: Willian Pacho—Pacho's absence was keenly felt during the Club World Cup final loss to Chelsea, having been nearly indispensable for Enrique's European campaign last season.
LB: Nuno Mendes—Mendes matured significantly last term, neutralizing some of Europe's most potent wide players during PSG's continental dominance. His upcoming challenge involves containing the physically imposing and technically gifted Mohammed Kudus.
CM: Vitinha—Enrique's orchestrator seldom displays panic, though Spurs may exploit the areas surrounding PSG's exceptional defensive midfielder. Pape Matar Sarr will probably be assigned to interrupt Vitinha's possession-based rhythm.
CM: Warren Zaïre-Emery—With João Neves serving a suspension, the promising Zaïre-Emery should slot into the midfield unit.
CM: Fabián Ruiz—The Spanish midfielder excelled throughout PSG's Club World Cup run and serves as an ideal complement to his Portuguese midfield colleagues.
RW: Désiré Doué—Doué dazzled in the Champions League final at Munich and emerged as FIFA's outstanding young talent during the Club World Cup. He's rapidly established himself among Europe's elite.
ST: Ousmané Dembélé—The leading 2025 Ballon d'Or contender had a subdued Club World Cup due to fitness concerns but should be fully prepared for the Super Cup encounter.
LW: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia—The January acquisition became the missing element in Enrique's tactical puzzle, featuring consistently throughout the Champions League elimination rounds on the left wing. He revisits the venue where Napoli celebrated their 2023 Serie A title.