PSG vs. Lyon Lineups: Confirmed Team News & Starting XI

Two days before Monday night's Ligue 1 clash between PSG and Olympique Lyonnais, both teams' starting lineups are beginning to take shape. On both sides, absences are expected.

PSG can cap its excellent run with another win. After beating Le Mans, Manchester City, Strasbourg and then FC Barcelona, Paris hosts Lyon on Monday night in the rescheduled Matchday 8 Ligue 1 game. With a win, the capital club could take first place in the league for the first time this season.

But while PSG's run has been more than successful on the results front, dark spots remain in the Parisian club's news. On Tuesday, Kvaratskhelia, Dembélé and Marquinhos were injured. The first, who suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, is even expected to be out until the end of the season.

Those three key players have joined Nuno Mendes in the training room since Saturday for the trip to La Meinau. Meanwhile, Mayulu has returned to competition, while Longoni should follow next week but remains uncertain against Lyon.

That is the medical update. With those elements in mind, and given that Paris has no European competition on the schedule next week, we can assume Safonov will start in goal, with Hakimi on the right, Zabarnyi and Pacho in central defense, and Digne on the left flank. Watch for Lucas Hernandez, brilliant against Barça, to take Pacho's place, as Pacho has taken many knocks against Barça.

The most-used outfield player since the start of the season, Vitinha could be benched at kickoff for this match, giving way to Zaïre-Emery, who has already played in front of the defense this season. Ruiz and Neves have had less playing time, so both could start against the Ligue 1 leaders before Lens vs. Paris FC. There is little chance of seeing Dro or Beraldo in such a league match, presumably.

The questions are even more numerous up front, with Kvaratskhelia and Dembélé already ruled out. The two star attackers, both injured, are even expected to be in London for the Ballon d'Or ceremony, which will take place at the same time as this PSG vs. Lyon match.

Still PSG's top scorer, Ferran Torres should return to the starting XI after two consecutive matches on the bench. Doué is also a strong contender and in great form for Paris. On the right, Akliouche seems to be the favorite to start.

PSG's predicted starting XI vs. Lyon: Safonov; Hakimi, Zabarnyi, Hernandez, Digne; Neves, Zaïre-Emery, Ruiz; Akliouche, Torres, Doué.

Like PSG, Lyon was in European action this week. They lost fairly heavily to Hoffenheim (3-0) in the Europa League. Monday at the Parc, they will be without Tagliafico and Openda among the starters, and probably without Sulc. Young Kango will also be out. As a result, Paulo Fonseca should change his XI from the one that faced the German club on Thursday.

Greif will hold his place in goal with a defense of Athekame, Bacher, Niakhate and Kluivert rather than Abner. In midfield, the Bidstrup-Morton tandem is expected to start at the Parc des Princes, supporting Tolisso, Boudache, and Duranville. Nuamah should start centrally in Openda's absence.

Lyon's predicted starting XI vs. PSG: Greif; Athekame, Bacher, Niakhate, Kluivert; Bidstrup, Morton; Tolisso, Boudache, Duranville; Nuamah.