Ousmane Dembélé and Joao Neves have made a significant return to the starting eleven for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in their highly anticipated Champions League match against Chelsea. This game marks Dembélé’s first start after his brief appearance against Monaco.
Dembélé and Neves Back in Action
Dembélé headlines the PSG attack, supported by players Bradley Barcola and Désiré Doué. His inclusion comes at a crucial time as PSG look to advance in the knockout stage of the tournament.
Meanwhile, Joao Neves returns to the midfield, joining Vitinha and Warren Zaïre-Emery. Neves steps in due to Fabian Ruiz’s ongoing injury.
Impact on Team Strategy
- Dembélé, starting at the forefront, is expected to drive PSG’s offensive efforts.
- Neves adds stability to the midfield, enhancing the team’s depth.
In contrast, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has been benched, reflecting the tough decisions made by the coaching staff. His absence is significant, given his form this season.
PSG and Chelsea Lineups
Here’s how both teams lined up for the match:
| PSG Starting XI | Chelsea Starting XI |
|---|---|
| Safonov | Jorgensen |
| Hakimi | Gusto |
| Marquinhos (cap) | Fofana |
| Pacho | Chalobah |
| Nuno Mendes | Cucurella |
| Zaïre-Emery | James |
| Vitinha | Caicedo |
| Joao Neves | Palmer |
| Doué | Fernandez |
| Dembélé | Pedro Neto |
| Barcola | Joao Pedro |
This lineup sees Chelsea’s Malo Gusto taking on the task of neutralizing Barcola, a former teammate from Lyon. As a result, Reece James has been shifted to a midfield position, with Andrey Santos relegated to the bench.
Conclusion
As the match unfolds, the returns of Dembélé and Neves are pivotal for PSG’s ambitions. Their performances could significantly influence the outcome of this crucial Champions League clash against Chelsea.
