da heads bet: The French champions are set to move on from a number of their star players, leaving spaces for new signings and academy products to step into
da betsson: For once, there might just be some tactical flexibility at Paris Saint-Germain this season. Luis Enrique has a number of interesting options throughout his squad, and can play around with different positions. This might just be conducive to building something interesting, not least because of the low expectations for his side this year.
Changes are inevitable, especially up front. Lionel Messi has gone, Neymar has been told he can leave, and Kylian Mbappe will either be benched or sold, whether he likes it or not. Marco Verratti, meanwhile, is looking increasingly likely to seal a move to the Saudi Pro League, leaving a void in central midfield.
Still, there are some certainties in his starting XI. Gianluigi Donnarumma will definitely start in goal, while Achraf Hakimi and Marquinhos are locks to form 50 percent of the back four. Given the sudden need for reinforcements in attack, new signings Goncalo Ramos and Ousmane Dembele figure to come straight in, too.
Elsewhere, though, there's room for guesswork. Summer signing Manuel Ugarte should be in with a shot every week, but still has a lot to learn. Fabian Ruiz seems to have impressed the new manager, but will face heavy competition from Vitinha for a starting spot. And although Lucas Hernandez will start the season at left-back, he could lose the position once Nuno Mendes returns from injury. Add the likelihood of at least one more new signing — perhaps an attacking midfielder or another forward — and this isn't as easy to predict as it perhaps should be three days from the start of the season.
So how should the Parisians line up once the campaign gets properly underway? GOAL picks PSG's best XI for this season…
GettyGK: Gianluigi Donnarumma
Donnarumma is one of few sure-fire starters for PSG every week. There were some concerns about the Italy goalkeeper's performances last season, with the blunders becoming more common — especially in PSG's losses. But he's a reliable presence on most days, and world-class at his best.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesRB: Achraf Hakimi
Hakimi enjoyed an excellent start to 2022-23, but saw his campaign take a downturn for a multitude of reasons after the turn of the year. Still, when he's around, he's among Europe's best right-backs. There's no reason for that to change anytime soon.
Getty ImagesCB: Marquinhos
There were some rough noises suggesting that Marquinhos could be sold after he admitted that he wanted Kylian Mbappe to stay at PSG. Those have since died down, and the club captain seems poised to be a regular.
Getty ImagesCB: Milan Skriniar
The first of newcomers to have presumably nailed down a starting spot, Milan Skriniar projects to be an immediate upgrade at a position of need. There have been a few mistakes in the pre-season, but he will likely be back to his best soon.