Paris Saint-Germain is set to face Inter Milan in the highly anticipated Champions League final. The match will take place on Saturday, May 31st, at the Allianz Arena in Munich. This final presents a significant opportunity for both clubs with differing recent histories in the competition.
Inter arrives at this final having reached another European showpiece recently, following their 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in the 2023 Champions League final. They will be aiming to secure their fourth European Cup title, a trophy they last lifted in 2010 under José Mourinho. PSG, on the other hand, is still searching for their first Champions League title after losing the 2020 final to Bayern Munich. Both managers, Luis Enrique of PSG and Simone Inzaghi of Inter, face selection dilemmas for their starting elevens ahead of the crucial encounter, as discussed in their pre-match press conferences.
Inter is anticipated to field their strongest possible lineup. Yann Sommer is expected in goal, protected by a back three likely consisting of Alessandro Bastoni, Francesco Acerbi, and notably, Benjamin Pavard, who has recovered and is available. German defender Yann Bisseck is likely to start on the bench. The midfield is expected to feature the regular trio of Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, and Henrik Mkhitaryan, with Federico Dimarco and Denzel Dumfries operating as wing-backs. Upfront, Inter captain Lautaro Martinez will partner with Marcus Thuram, continuing their established partnership.
For PSG, there appears to be only one major question mark regarding their starting eleven. Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma will start, facing several of his international teammates from Inter. The defense in front of him is likely to be composed of Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes on the flanks, alongside central defenders William Pacho and team captain Marquinhos. The midfield is expected to be Joao Neves, Vitinha, and Fabian Ruiz. The attack will feature Ousmane Dembele and former Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The decision for Luis Enrique is who will fill the final attacking spot, with Desire Doue currently projected to start ahead of Bradley Barcola.
Predicted Starting Lineups
PSG Predicted XI:
- Gianluigi Donnarumma
- Achraf Hakimi
- Marquinhos
- William Pacho
- Nuno Mendes
- Joao Neves
- Vitinha
- Fabian Ruiz
- Desire Doue
- Ousmane Dembele
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Inter Predicted XI:
- Yann Sommer
- Benjamin Pavard
- Francesco Acerbi
- Alessandro Bastoni
- Denzel Dumfries
- Nicolo Barella
- Hakan Calhanoglu
- Henrix Mkhitaryan
- Federico Dimarco
- Lautaro Martinez
- Marcus Thuram
