PSG 2017/18 Ligue 1
Title Credentials
PSG would want to forget their last Ligue 1
campaign as soon as possible. It was somewhat of a disaster after they missed
out on the League title last season to rivals AS Monaco. They had a disastrous
Champions League campaign after losing 6-5 on aggregate to FC Barcelona. The
only trophy they did manage to win was the French Cup.
For the upcoming season, they have already made
a blockbuster start in the transfer market by making Neymar the most expensive
player in the world. His compatriot Dani Alves has also signed on a free
transfer as has left back Berchiche from Spanish side Real Sociedad.
Goalkeepers
The manager prefers to rotate his goalkeepers
depending on the competition they feature in.
Kevin Trapp is expected to feature as the first choice keeper this season.
Alphonse Areola, the second choice keeper will provide
stiff competition for the first choice role this season.
Remy Descamps will continue as the 3rd
choice keeper for the club.
Defenders
The team would continue playing with a back four
once again this season and they have a couple of new additions who would be
very valuable.
The first choice centre back combination would
comprise of Thaigo Silva and Marquinhos; youth and experience.
For the substitute centre back, young Prensel Kimpembe will be handed a decent amount of first team opportunities this season.
Dani Alves, the new summer signing will be first
choice at right full back this season. His arrival may have solved this problem
for at least one season.
There will be a lot of rotation at left full
back between Layvin Kurzawa and new signing Yuri Berchiche this season.
Substitute Right back Thomas Meunier is another
decent player who will be rotated well by the manager. Surprisingly, the
manager can also transform him to a centre back or a defensive midfielder.
Serge Aurier is expected to depart the club this
month with Chelsea and Manchester United reportedly frontrunners for his
signature.
Midfielders
PSG normally play with a 3 man midfield, but
this season it may change to a 2 man midfield with the star studded attack the
squad has.
Marco Veratti, another player who was expected
to depart the club for Barcelona may also end up staying and partnering Matuidi
in central midfield.
Adrien Rabiot is another player who will see a lot of game time this season especially with starts and his winner in the French Super Cup final last week.
Adrien Rabiot is another player who will see a lot of game time this season especially with starts and his winner in the French Super Cup final last week.
Thiago Motta is the club’s senior defensive midfielder and is used well by the manager to see off tight games.
Christopher Nkunku is another young central
midfield player who will be a part of the PSG first team this season.
Defensive midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak hasn’t had
the best time for PSG and may depart the club this transfer window.
Attackers
The new look PSG attack this season may see a 4
man attack comprising of 2 Wingers, a No.10 and a No.9 which will be exciting.
On the Right Wing, there will be rotation between two players, Lucas and Di Maria. Lucas may end up getting maximum games on the Right wing and if Di Maria stays in the club he could start as the No.10 from time to time.
On the Right Wing, there will be rotation between two players, Lucas and Di Maria. Lucas may end up getting maximum games on the Right wing and if Di Maria stays in the club he could start as the No.10 from time to time.
Julian Draxler is expected to start on the left
wing and will want to feature often in the PSG starting XI this season.
In the No.10 role, Neymar the new star signing
should start just because he will be able to play this role much better
compared to a left winger.
In the No.9 role, last year’s top goal scorer
and Ligue 1 Player of the Season Edinson Cavani is expected to form a
devastating partnership for PSG upfront this season.
Javier Pastore is PSG’s versatile attacker who
can play in all the three offensive roles but won’t be a first choice player
every week.
Another player who would want to kick start his
first full PSG season in a decent way would be Goncalo Guedes and especially
establish himself as a future No.10.
Attacking midfielders Hatem Ben Arfa and Giovani
Lo Celso are expected to depart the club on a permanent and loan deal
respectively. Left Winger Jese is another player set to permanently depart the
club.
Expected formations
Players still needed
Centre Back
PSG will need a player to replace their captain Thiago Silva someday when he decides to hang up his boots. But it can be done this season itself as they severely need back up at LCB.
Virgil Van Dijk
He looks set to leave Southampton this season and wants Champions League football. If PSG put a big bid for the player, he would make a quality signing for the club.
Kostas Manolas
He too has been linked with a move away from the club, has experience at LCB and would love to join the French giants.
Jose Giminez
One of the rising youngsters in football, a deal for Giminez would only conclude when Atletico's transfer ban is upheld in January.
Centre Forward
The club has limited options for the No.9 role to back-up first choice Edinson Cavani and should sign someone before the window closes.
Antoine Griezmann
It would be a surprise out of nowhere but PSG can move for the player in January when Atletico are willing to sell.
Kylian Mbappe ✅
He has been linked with a move to the club this month and the deal can still happen. He can form a fantastic partnership with Cavani upfront
Timo Werner
He was one of the brightest young talents last season in the Budesliga and the U-21 World Cup for Germany. His arrival could make him a long term replacement for Cavani.
Prediction
PSG are set to have a fantastic League campaign and are expected to win back the Ligue 1 title this season.
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