Club World Cup – PSG: What starting eleven for the final against Chelsea? | OneFootball

Club World Cup – PSG: What starting eleven for the final against Chelsea?

It's judgment day in the United States. Paris Saint-Germain face Chelsea in the Club World Cup final this Sunday at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.

For this decisive showdown, Luis Enrique can count on Ousmane Dembélé to spearhead the Parisian attack. Sidelined at the start of the tournament, Dembélé made his return to the starting lineup in the 4-0 semi-final victory over Real Madrid. The French international, who scored in that match, was subbed off after 59 minutes to keep him in peak condition for the final.

With 35 goals and 16 assists this season, Dembélé is regarded by his coach as PSG’s best player "by far" this year. He’ll form a dynamic attacking trio alongside Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doué, two more red-hot threats up front.

A reshuffled defense, a high-stakes midfield

At the back, Willian Pacho remains suspended, forcing Lucas Beraldo to once again partner Marquinhos in central defense. Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes will lock down the flanks.

The midfield battle promises to be fierce. The trio of Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Fabian Ruiz will have their work cut out against Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, and Cole Palmer. Between the posts, Gianluigi Donnarumma will start, despite persistent rumors of Chelsea’s interest in the Italian keeper.

PSG’s likely starting XI against Chelsea: Donnarumma – Hakimi, Marquinhos, Beraldo, Nuno Mendes – Vitinha, Joao Neves, Fabian Ruiz – Doué, Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia.