If you’re trying to pin down the Paris Saint-Germain starting lineup right now, honestly, good luck. Dealing with Luis Enrique is kinda like trying to predict the weather in a hurricane—just when you think you’ve got the pattern, he switches the wind direction. We are deep into January 2026, and the "Lucho" era is hitting its peak weirdness and brilliance all at once.
Remember when people thought PSG would crumble after the era of the mega-stars? Well, the 2025 sextuple proved just about everyone wrong. This isn't the "Galactico" PSG anymore. It’s a collective. But even in a collective, someone has to start the game. Between the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) taking a bite out of the squad and a few nagging injuries, the lineup for the next few weeks is looking pretty fascinating.
The Lucas Chevalier revolution in goal
Let's talk about the keeper. Matvey Safonov is out with a broken hand, which basically cleared the runway for Lucas Chevalier. PSG dropped €40 million to bring him in from Lille, and honestly, it looks like a bargain now. He’s essentially become the undisputed number one.
Chevalier isn't just a shot-stopper. He fits that Luis Enrique "sweeper-keeper" mold perfectly. You'll see him 25 yards off his line, acting as an auxiliary center-back during build-up. It’s risky. It’s stressful to watch. But it works. Donnarumma? He’s been a secondary thought lately, with Chevalier’s distribution being the deciding factor.
Defense: Dealing with the Hakimi gap
The biggest headache right now is Achraf Hakimi being away with Morocco for AFCON. You don't just "replace" Hakimi. He’s basically a playmaker who happens to start at right-back.
Luis Enrique has been experimenting with Warren Zaïre-Emery in that hybrid role. It’s a bit of a waste of WZE’s engine in the middle, but the kid can play anywhere. He tucks inside to form a midfield three when PSG has the ball, leaving the right wing wide open for the forwards.
- Marquinhos: The captain is still the bedrock. Even with rumors of rotation, he’s the one holding the high line together.
- Willian Pacho: He’s become a bit of a cult hero. His recovery speed is basically the only reason PSG doesn't concede three counters a game.
- Nuno Mendes: Finally healthy (mostly). When he’s on, he’s the fastest thing on the pitch. He’s been told to stay wider this season compared to previous years.
- Illia Zabarnyi: The new arrival has been rotating heavily with Beraldo. He’s massive in the air, something PSG desperately needed.
The midfield "Chaos" control
The midfield is where the Paris Saint-Germain starting lineup gets really interesting. It’s all about the "3-2-5" transition when they are in possession.
Vitinha is the heartbeat. Period. If he’s not on the pitch, the team looks lost. He’s the one who drops between the center-backs to start the play. Lately, he’s been wearing the captain’s armband when Marquinhos rests, which tells you everything you need to know about his status in the locker room.
Beside him, you’ve got the breakout star João Neves. He’s got that "dog" in him—constantly snapping at heels but then playing a 40-yard diagonal pass like it’s nothing. However, Neves has been nursing a bit of a muscle tweak, so Fabian Ruiz has been stepping back into the light. Ruiz is the "steady hand." He won't beat three players with a dribble, but he won't lose the ball either.
And then there's Senny Mayulu. Luis Enrique loves a teenager, doesn't he? Mayulu is starting to get real minutes in the big games, often pushing Désiré Doué for that creative spot.
The front three: Life after the big names
The attack is basically a blur of speed. Bradley Barcola is the first name on the team sheet for most fans. He’s leading the team in goals this season and his 1v1 stats are genuinely terrifying for Ligue 1 right-backs.
On the other side, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has changed the dynamic. He’s not a "touchline hugger" like Dembélé (who is still recovering from a flu/knock combo). "Kvara" drifts inside, creating space for Nuno Mendes to fly past him.
The striker situation? It’s a toss-up. Gonçalo Ramos is the traditional choice. He works his tail off, presses like a maniac, and scores the "ugly" goals. But don't be surprised to see a "False 9" setup with Désiré Doué or even Barcola moving central. Enrique hates being predictable.
Tactical shift: The 2026 blueprint
The Paris Saint-Germain starting lineup isn't just a list of names; it’s a shifting shape. Out of possession, they look like a standard 4-3-3. But the second Chevalier rolls the ball out? It’s a different beast.
- The "Inverted" Fullback: WZE or Mendes moves into the middle.
- The "Box" Midfield: Vitinha and a defender create a base of two, with two advanced 8s above them.
- The Five-Man Front: The wingers stay high and wide, the striker stays central, and the two "8s" (like Ruiz or Doué) occupy the half-spaces.
It’s exhausting to play against. It’s also exhausting to coach. Luis Enrique is obsessed with "rest-defense"—ensuring that even when they are attacking with eight players, they aren't vulnerable to the long ball. Pacho and Marquinhos are basically tasked with defending the entire half of the pitch by themselves.
Why the lineup matters for the winter window
The club has been quiet this January. They aren't looking for "stars" anymore. The word from the Parc des Princes is that they might let a few youngsters go on loan (like Noham Kamara), but they aren't desperate for arrivals. Why? Because the current Paris Saint-Germain starting lineup is finally balanced.
They have the best xG (expected goals) in France and a defensive record that is actually respectable for a team that plays this high. The only real concern is depth at right-back while Hakimi is away. If WZE gets hurt, things get "interesting" (and not the good kind of interesting).
What you should watch for next match
If you’re watching the upcoming Champions League clash or a big Ligue 1 fixture, keep an eye on the first 10 minutes. Watch where Vitinha stands. If he’s staying high, it means Enrique is going for the throat. If he’s dropping deep, it’s about control.
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Also, look at the substitutes. Ibrahim Mbaye and Quentin Ndjantou are the names you’ll hear a lot of in 2026. They are the next generation of the "Titi" academy products that are actually being integrated into the first team instead of being sold to Germany for €15 million.
Actionable Insights for PSG Fans:
- Track the AFCON schedule: Morocco is a favorite, meaning Hakimi might be gone until mid-February. Expect WZE to stay at RB.
- Watch the Chevalier-Safonov dynamic: Even when Safonov returns from his hand injury, Chevalier is the one with the "hot hand." This is a changing of the guard.
- Monitor the "Kvara" and Barcola partnership: This is arguably the most exciting wing duo in Europe right now. Their chemistry is what will decide the Champions League run.
The era of individual brilliance is over in Paris. The era of the "system" is here. Whether you like it or not, the Paris Saint-Germain starting lineup is now a reflection of a coach who values the map more than the territory. It’s fluid, it’s frustrating, and right now, it’s winning everything in sight.
Stay updated on the medical reports before matchday, as Enrique often waits until the very last hour to confirm his XI. The "Lucho" surprise is the only thing you can truly count on.