LIONEL MESSI, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe are set to start together for Paris Saint-Germain for the first time in the Champions League this week.
The deadly PSG trio haven’t played alongside each other since Messi arrived from Barcelona this summer.
But that is set to change on Wednesday when PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino unleashes his devastating attack on Belgian side Club Brugge in the European competition’s group stages, according to L’Equipe.
However, the French publication claim it’s still unclear what formation Pochettino will deploy in order to get the best out of the Argentinian, Brazilian, and Frenchman.
Messi made his PSG debut against Reims at the start of the month when he came on to replace Neymar late in the second half.
During the Ligue 1 tie, the ex-Barca icon played in the No.10 role in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
But L’equipe reckon if Pochettino uses the same setup against Brugge, along with Neymar and Mbappe, his team will be too exposed defensively.
Equipe also debate that PSG could play the trio in a 4-4-2 diamond or a 3-5-2 setup, as they could work together in a compact shape, but doubt the latter would be a success this time around as Sergio Ramos isn’t available for the tie.
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The Ligue 1 side’s best option would be to use the 4-3-3 formation for the game as it will give Messi, Neymar, and Mbappe the space needed to work their individual magic, Equipe claim.
Messi could flourish on the right, while Neymar does the same on the left, leaving Mbappe to terrorise Brugge’s goal in the central attacking position.
But the trio will have to do without the support of several of their would-be regular first-team pals for the game.
Angel Di Maria and Idrissa Gueye are suspended, and Marco Verrati is also uncertain for the Champs League clash.
As Gueye and Verrati aren’t available, Pochettino will likely turn to Ander Herrera as a replacement in midfield.
The Spaniard should be accompanied by Gini Wijnaldum and Leandro Paredes in the middle of the park.
Left-back Layvin Kurzawa is out injured, so new signing Nuno Mendes and Amad Diallo will battle it out for his spot.
Although it’s likely Diallo will start as he did on the weekend and Mendes came on as a late substitute.
Another headache Pochettino is yet to sort out for the Brugge game is who’ll feature in PSG’s goal out of new signing Gianluigi Donnarumma or veteran stopper Keylor Nav
Italy’s Euro 2020 hero Donnarumma made his eagerly-awaited debut for PSG on Saturday in their 4-0 rout against Clermont.
But Equipe don’t think he’s done enough yet to displace Navas between the sticks just yet.
So they reckon Navas could pip him for the spot in midweek.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
