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PSG team news: Predicted 4-3-3 line up vs Saint-Etienne – Neymar starts as Mbappe rested
Neymar is set to start once again as Paris Saint-Germain return to Ligue 1 action against Saint-Etienne tonight (8pm GMT).
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Neymar is expected to spearhead a strong Paris Saint-Germain side as the French giants return to Ligue 1 action against Saint-Etienne. Manager Thomas Tuchel is likely to rotate his squad once again after a much-changed outfit completed the Champions League group stage fixtures in midweek.
PSG had already secured qualification to the knockout rounds before their thumping 5-0 victory over Galatasaray on Wednesday, with top spot in Group A also confirmed.
But Tuchel still fielded a formidable starting XI with Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Mauro Icardi lining up against the Turkish opponents.
The trio all got on the scoresheet while Pablo Sarabia and substitute Edinson Cavani also hit the target in a dominant display.
Tuchel did rotate the rest of his side with Sergio Rico lining up in goal and Tanguy Kouassi being handed his European debut.
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Captain Thiago Silva was an unused substitute and Julian Draxler was also given the evening off as key assets were rested ahead of a vital run of domestic fixtures.
PSG have already lost three times in the league this season but sit four points clear of Marseille at the top of Ligue 1 with two games in hand.
They also have fixtures in both domestic cup competitions on the horizon so the French champions will be desperate to keep their star players fit through the busy festive period.
While European glory is a priority for the PSG hierarchy, Tuchel cannot afford to drop off the pace on home turf so victory over Saint-Etienne is vital.
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With this in mind, Neymar is expected to start once again despite the Brazilian’s off-field distractions this week.
The 27-year-old is sueing Barcelona for £3million over unpaid salary and issues around his 2017 transfer to PSG.
Spanish outlet El Mundo claim Neymar has accused former Barca club president Josep Maria Bartomeu of acting in “bad faith”, despite the forward being linked with a return to the Nou Camp during the summer transfer window.
Neymar’s father, who works as an advisor to his son, said: “We felt we were negatively affected at that time. We want to reach an agreement with Barca, it is what’s best for everyone.
“We have never had a bad relationship with Bartomeu. We do not know if we will return to Barcelona, he has a contract with PSG right now.”
Neymar should continue as part of a three-man attack alongside Icardi and Angel Di Maria, with Mbappe earning a rest.
Cavani and Draxler have both been left out of the 19-man travelling party while Ander Herrera and Idriss Gueye are on the treatment table.
Marquinhos could move into midfield to replace Kouassi while Marco Verratti may come back into the side at the expense of Sarabia, having stepped off the bench on Wednesday.
Leandro Paredes is expected to retain his position in midfield while Layvin Kurzawa could deputise for Juan Bernat.
Silva should return alongside Abdou Diallo in central defence while Thilo Kehrer could start at right-back with Colin Dagba doubtful and Thomas Meunier working his way back from illness.
Finally Keylor Navas will replace Rico in goal and both Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Presnel Kimpembe complete the list of injured players on the sidelines.
Saint-Etienne are without Timothy Kolodziejczak due to suspension while Charles Abi, Yohan Cabaye, Kevin Moonet-Paquet, Wahbi Khazri, William Saliba and Miguel Trauco are all injured.
Paris Saint-Germain predicted line-up vs Saint-Etienne – Ligue 1
(4-3-3): Navas; Kehrer, Silva, Diallo, Kurzawa; Marquinhos, Verratti, Paredes; Di Maria, Neymar, Icardi