£610k/wk quintet benched as Frank makes critical Richarlison decision – PSG v Tottenham Predicted XIs
The Bluenergy Stadium in Udine sets the stage for Wednesday night’s UEFA Super Cup clash between Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain and Europa League victors Tottenham Hotspur.
This continental curtain-raiser promises intrigue beyond the usual pre-season fare, with both clubs entering the match following transformative summers that have reshaped their squads and identities.
Fresh from their maiden Champions League triumph, PSG arrive with a squad undergoing subtle but significant evolution.
The French giants have made bold decisions between the posts, with Lucas Chevalier displacing Gianluigi Donnarumma as first-choice goalkeeper despite the Italian’s heroics in last season’s European campaign.
Luis Enrique’s tactical blueprint remains intact, but key personnel changes could influence their approach:
| PSG Predicted Lineup | Substitutes |
|---|---|
| Chevalier (GK) | Martin (GK) |
| Hakimi (RB) | Safonov (GK) |
| Marquinhos (CB) | L. Hernandez (DEF) |
| Pacho (CB) | Beraldo (DEF) |
| Mendes (LB) | Kamara (DEF) |
| Vitinha (CM) | Mbaye (MID) |
| Ruiz (CM) | Lee Kang-In (MID) |
| Zaire-Emery (CM) | Barcola (FWD) |
| Doué (RW) | Ramos (FWD) |
| Dembélé (LW) | |
| Kvaratskhelia (ST) |
The suspension of João Neves creates an opportunity for 18-year-old Warren Zaïre-Emery to cement his growing reputation, while new defensive signing Ilya Zabarnyi watches from the sidelines as he integrates with the squad.
Tottenham’s Reboot Under Thomas Frank
Spurs’ Europa League triumph marked the end of an era, with club legend Heung-min Son departing for LAFC and new manager Thomas Frank implementing his vision.
The Dane faces immediate selection headaches, particularly in attack where James Maddison’s ACL rupture leaves a creative void:
| Tottenham Predicted Lineup | Substitutes |
|---|---|
| Vicario (GK) | Austin (GK) |
| Porro (RB) | Kinsky (GK) |
| Romero (CB) | Gray (DEF) |
| Van de Ven (CB) | Danso (DEF) |
| Spence (LB) | Davies (DEF) |
| Palhinha (DM) | Vuskovic (DEF) |
| Bergvall (CM) | Sarr (MID) |
| Bentancur (CM) | Richarlison (FWD) |
| Johnson (RW) | Odobert (FWD) |
| Tel (LW) | Solanke (FWD) |
| Kudus (ST) |
Frank’s disciplinary stance sees Yves Bissouma omitted entirely following repeated lateness, while the potential return of Dominic Solanke offers a timely boost to Spurs’ attacking options.
Tactical Battlegrounds
- Midfield Dynamics: Zaïre-Emery’s energy against Palhinha’s destructive presence could dictate the game’s tempo
- Wing Warfare: Hakimi and Mendes’ marauding runs will test Spurs’ reconfigured full-back pairing
- Creative Void: With Maddison absent, Bergvall carries the creative burden against PSG’s press-resistant midfield
Historical Context
This marks PSG’s second Super Cup appearance (lost 1-0 to Chelsea in 2021) versus Tottenham’s debut in the competition. The Londoners’ 4-0 friendly defeat to Bayern Munich raises questions about their readiness, while PSG’s continuity from their Champions League-winning side suggests they may be sharper out of the blocks.
As both teams look to claim their first piece of silverware this season, this clash represents more than just a glorified friendly – it’s a statement of intent from two clubs at different stages of their evolution.
The Bluenergy Stadium awaits a fascinating tactical duel between Enrique’s refined machine and Frank’s work-in-progress revolution.