Champions League 2025-2026: Monaco-PSG, the likely lineups

This evening at 9 p.m. the spotlight turns on the Louis II Stadium for the first act of the French derby between Monaco and PSG in the Champions League playoffs. The season precedents smile on the Monegasques, who succeeded in the feat of breaking down the Parisian wall with a heavyweight 1-0 victory in front of their fans in Ligue 1. The moment for Luis Enrique&#8217s team is very delicate: the guests arrive in the Principality still shaken after the sharp knockout against Rennes, a misstep that also cost Lens the top of the league.

Pocognoli has to deal with so many absences, particularly in defense where Dier, Kehrer, Mawissa, Salisu and Ouattara will be missing. Obligatory choices then with the Teze-Faes pair leading the backline, while in midfield there’s former Juventus man Zakaria paired with Camara. In attack Balogun, who will be primed Akliouche, Golovin and Adingra, on the three-quarter.

For his part, Luis Enrique boasts on an almost full squad: absent only Fabian Ruiz, Mayulu and Ndjantou. In midfield, Vitinha will dictate the pace, while in attack Barcola could undermine Doué in the trident completed by Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia. In defense, Hakimi and Nuno Mendes will act as full-backs, between the posts Safonov is confirmed.

Probable lineups

Monaco (4-2-3-1): Kohn; Vanderson, Teze, Faes, Kehrer, Caio Henrique; Zakaria, Camara; Akliouche, Golovin, Adingra; Balogun. All. Pocognoli.

PSG (4-3-3): Safonov; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Neves; Barcola, Dembelé, Kvaratskhelia. All. Luis Enrique.