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Ligue 1 pace-setters PSG will start 2022 with a clash against fourth-tier Vannes at the Stade de la Rabine on Monday in the Coupe de France.
The Parisians ended 2021 with a 1-1 draw with FC Lorient in Ligue 1, keeping a 13-point lead at the top of the table. They beat Feignies 3-0 in their opening cup game, with Kylian Mbappe scoring a brace.
Mauricio Pochettino would want to start the New Year on a positive note but he will be wary of Vannes, who beat fifth-tier side Wasquehal 4-0 in the previous round.
Lionel Messi has tested positive for Covid-19 and he has joined Neymar, Juan Bernat and Julian Draxler in Paris Saint-Germain’s list of absentees.
Sergio Ramos, meanwhile, is suspended having picked up a red card in the 1-1 draw with FC Lorient in the last game.
Goalkeeper
Gianluigi Donnarumma is likely to be in the PSG goal against Vannes, hoping to keep a clean sheet on Monday evening.
Defence
In defence, Sergio Ramos’ absence should open the door for Thilo Kehrer to make the PSG lineup. The German will form a centre-back pairing with Presnel Kimpembe, as Pochettino looks to keep Marquinhos fresh for Sunday’s Ligue 1 game against Lyon.
Colin Dagba and Abdou Diallo might take up the full-back positions against Vannes, with the former in need of more game time.
Midfield
Leandro Paredes is likely to start as an anchor in midfield, tasked with dictating the tempo of the game with his distributing skills. The tough-tackling Argentinean will be partnered by Marco Verratti and young Dina Ebimbe, thus, forming the midfield three in the PSG lineup.
Verratti’s incisive passing coupled with Ebimbe’s energy from midfield could be key in unlocking the Vannes backline that has leaked only one goal in the three cup games they have played so far this term.
Attack
With Lionel Messi testing positive for Covid-19 and Neymar out injured, Pochettino could go with talented youngster Xavi Simons in the PSG attack.
Simons was excellent in PSG’s last cup game against Feignies, creating a host of opportunities. The teenager will start on the right flank, with Kylian Mbappe keeping his place on the left.
Leading the PSG attack will be Mauro Icardi, who had netted in the 3-0 win over Feignies. The Argentinean will look to get on the score sheet again and help his team qualify for the last 16 of Coupe de France.
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