Paris Saint-Germain have revealed this evening’s starting XI for their Ligue 1 opener against LOSC Lille.
Le Onze de départ du Paris Saint-Germain pour le 1er match de Championnat ! #LOSCPSG pic.twitter.com/4N1epeGcnR
— PSG Officiel (@PSG_inside) August 7, 2015
One talking point comes at right-back, where—intriguingly—Serge Aurier has been handed a starting berth ahead of Gregory van der Wiel.
The Dutchman has been linked with a move away from the French capital this summer, with Manchester United rumoured to be eyeing his situation [Mirror], although the Red Devils have already opted to sign Matteo Darmian, so it remains to be seen whether they need another right-back.
In the midfield, the ongoing uncertainty involving Thiago Motta’s future—the midfielder has been linked with a move to Inter Milan and has admitted that he is considering his options [La Gazzetta dello Sport via L’Equipe]—has meant a start for Adrien Rabiot.
The elegant young midfield star has also been linked with a move away from the Parc des Princes, having struggled to establish himself in Blanc’s starting XI.
However, Tottenham Hotspur [Telegraph] and Juventus [Eurosport]—both teams understood to be keen on the player earlier in the summer—may have to look elsewhere, with the youngster receiving an unexpected starting berth. Is this indication that he has a role to play in the reigning champions’ plans this season?
New signing and ex-Spurs midfielder Benjamin Stambouli will have to wait for his debut, as he starts on the bench, while Blanc has opted for Thiago Silva and David Luiz at the heart of the defence, meaning there is no place for Marquinhos.
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Goalkeeper Kevin Trapp takes the starting role between the sticks, further increasing speculation that Salvatore Sirigu—another player linked to White Hart Lane [talkSPORT]—could be on the way out of the French giants.
Finally, Zlatan Ibrahimovic will not start in the league opener due to a knee injury [L’Equipe], while new recruit Angel Di Maria is also absent.
PSG XI: Trapp, Aurier, Silva, David Luiz, Maxwell, Rabiot, Verratti, Matuidi, Moura, Cavani, Pastore