PSG currently dominates Ligue 1 with an impressive record of 16 wins, 6 draws, and 1 loss. Being on top of the lIgue 1, the club has won in 70% of their matches played in the domestic league.
However, PSG's seeminly unstoppable momentum faced a small setback last weekend when they dropped points for the second time in 2024. The match against Rennes saw Luis Enrique's side need of a dramatic 97th-minute Goncalo Ramos penalty to secura a draw at home.
Enrique's decision to substitute Kylian Mbappe with 25 minutes to play was met with some criticism, but despite the French superstar's absence, PSG managed to secure a crucial point.
While headlines have been dominated by speculation surrounding Kylian Mbappe's future, Luis Enrique's coaching skills are not to be ignored. The French giants currently enjoy a comfortable 13-point lead over Stade Brest, which is a testament to Enrique's effective leadership.
Moreover, the club are on the verge of advancing to the quarter-finals of the Champions League, further solidifying their stature as a formidable force in both domestic and European competitions.
Below, VbetNews takes a look at how PSG should line up for the majority of their upcoming matches in 2024–25:
How PSG should line up for 2024–25
GK: Gianluigi Donarumma
Donnarumma has displayed solid form since the beginning of the new year. In his four Ligue 1 appearances in 2024, he averaged 5.5 saves, with an impressive 88.0% save percentage, and two clean sheets.
LB: Lucas Hernandez
Lucas Fernandez signed for PSG just last year and has been a consistent performer in the club. According to FC Ranking and match performance analysis, he currently holds the rating 83 out of 99, making him a 'Valuable' level compared to other football players worldwide.
CB: Marquinhos
Marquinhos is a true PSG veteran. He joined the club in July 2013, with a five-year deal for €31.4 million. It was one of the most substantial transfer fees for a player under the age of 20. He played a pivotal role when the French side reached the 2020 UEFA Champions League final. Following Thiago Silva's departure in August 2020, Marquinhos took on the leadership responsibilities for PSG.
CB: Lucas Beraldo
Beraldo arrived at PSG during the winter transfer window. Despite the short amount of time, he has already marked himself as a prominent figure sooner than expected. Due to Kimpembe's and Nuno Mendes' injuries coupled with Milan Skriniar's setback, Beraldo found himself in a starting position in recent weeks.
RB: Achraf Hakimi
Hakimi has not only solidified his reputation as astrong attacking force but has also become one of the key figures in PSG's forward and build-up play. Despite his contract running until 2026, the French side are keen on extending his deal and have no intention of selling him.
CM: Fabian Ruiz
Despite initial expectations of playing a secondary role in Luis Enrique's plans, Fabian Ruiz is gaining the coach's trust at his new club. He made a transfer from Real Betis.
DM: Manuel Ugarte
Last year, Manuel Ugarte faced a decision between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, with both clubs prepared to pay the £52 million release clause. Ultimately, he chose PSG, later mentioning that club legend Cavani assisted him in preparing for the next chapter in his career.
CM: Lee Kang-in
PSG have been experiencing the positive impacts of Lee's presence. Not only is he proving to be a valuable player for Luis Enrique, but he is also contributing to the increased popularity of the French champions in Asia.
RW: Ousmane Dembele
Dembele was on his first season with Paris Saint-Germain following his departure from FC Barcelona last summer. While there were concerns due to his historical struggles with injuries, the French club has not witnessed such issues so far.
CF: Victor Osimhen
With Real Madrid rumored to be Kylian Mbappe's likely destination, his departure is expected to create a significant gap in PSG's attack. Yet, PSG are prepared to make a substantial investment to secure a high-quality replacement for the Frenchman. Victor Osimhen has emerged as a strong candidate, showcasing an impressive goal-scoring record in Italy.
LW: Bradley Barcola
As per RMC's Fabrice Hawkins, acquiring a number 9 is not currently a top priority for PSG. The club have confidence in young talent s such as Bradley Barcola, whom they believe is a capable candidate to take Mbappe's role after his departure.
PSG lineup, starting XI for the 2024–25 season
PSG 2024–25 squad
Goalkeepers
99. Gianluigi Donnarumma
80. Arnau Tenas
1. Keylor Navas
16. Sergio Rico
30. Alexandre Letellier
Defenders
5. Marquinhos
37. Milan Skriniar
3. Presnel Kimpembe
35. Lucas Beraldo
25. Nuno Mendes
21. Lucas Hernandez
97. Layvin Kurzawa
2. Achraf Hakimi
26. Nordi Mukiele
Midfielders
4. Manuel Ugarte
15. Danilo Pereira
33. Warren Zaire-Emery
17. Vitinha
8. Fabian Ruiz
28. Carlos Soler
38. Ethan Mbappe
19. Kang in-Lee
41. Senny Mayulu
Forwards
11. Marco Asensio
10. Ousmane Dembele
7. Kylian Mbappe
23. Randal Kolo Mauni
9. Goncalo Ramos
PSG 2024-25 transfers
There is a constant speculation around Kylian Mbappe's future at PSG and it remains a prominent topic in newspapers. Although rumors hint at a potential last effort by PSG's owners to retain him, the situation appears decided.
The Frenchman's contract with PSG concludes on June 30. It is seen that Mbappe has already informed Nasser Al-Khelaifi and his teammates about his decision to leave. While the destination remains uncertain, all signs point towards a move to Real Madrid. The Spanish side have been purusing the 25-year-old since the early stages of his career.
Rafael Leao and Victor Osimhen have emerged as potential replacements for Kylian Mbappe at PSG. However, British journalist Ben Jacobs points out a potential issue in securing AC Milan's Portuguese forward, due to a big €175 million release clause.
Alongside these two prominent names dominating discussions in PSG's summer transfer market, there is also speculation that the French club might revisit the option of acquiring Marcus Rashford.