With just two days to go before the Intercontinental Cup final between PSG and Flamengo, scheduled for Wednesday at 6:00 PM (French time), the first lineup trends are beginning to emerge. On the Paris side, several uncertainties remain — particularly in goal and defense.
Fresh off a 3–2 win in Metz with a heavily rotated squad, PSG arrived in Doha on Sunday. While the trip includes a number of commercial commitments with Qatari sponsors, the main focus is clearly on preparing for Wednesday’s final against Flamengo. Paris are chasing a sixth trophy in 2025, having already won the Trophée des Champions, Coupe de France, Ligue 1, Champions League, and UEFA Super Cup earlier this year.
A nearly full squad for Luis Enrique
Aside from Achraf Hakimi, who remains in Morocco to complete his recovery and prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations, Luis Enrique has an almost full squad available. Senny Mayulu, who stayed in Paris an extra day due to a recent viral illness, is expected to arrive in Qatar on Monday but is unlikely to start the final.
Chevalier favored over Safonov?
The biggest pre-match question for PSG concerns the goalkeeper. Matvey Safonov took full advantage of Lucas Chevalier’s ankle injury, keeping clean sheets against Rennes and Athletic Bilbao, and was again preferred in Metz despite Chevalier’s return to the squad.
Now fully fit, Chevalier appears to be the favorite to start this final, based on current indications at D–2.
In defense, PSG are expected to line up from right to left with Warren Zaïre-Emery, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, and Nuno Mendes. The Brazilian captain was rested in Metz due to “muscular fatigue in his right hip” but is expected to start against his compatriots. Should he be unavailable, Ilya Zabarnyi would step in, as he did on Saturday.
Midfield and attack taking shape
In midfield, João Neves is set to return to the starting XI after remaining on the bench in Metz, alongside Vitinha — who played the full match — and Fabián Ruiz, who featured only in the first half.
Up front, Bradley Barcola and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are both pushing for starting roles on the wings after beginning on the bench in Metz and coming on in the 66th minute. Désiré Doué, who scored after coming on at half-time, has a strong chance to start as a false nine. Recently back from illness, Ousmane Dembélé is expected to begin the match on the bench.
Possible PSG XI vs Flamengo:
Chevalier – Zaïre-Emery, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes – Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz – Barcola, Doué, Kvaratskhelia
Familiar faces in Flamengo’s lineup
Flamengo, winners of the Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian league this season, reached the Intercontinental Cup final after victories over Cruz Azul and Pyramids FC. Head coach Filipe Luís is expected to field a lineup similar to the one that started against the Egyptian side.
The Brazilian club features several players well known to European fans, including former Juventus defenders Alex Sandro and Danilo, who now operates in central defense, as well as Jorginho, formerly of Arsenal and Chelsea. Particular attention will also be on Giorgian de Arrascaeta, the Uruguayan playmaker who scored twice against Cruz Azul and provided two assists against Pyramids FC.
Possible Flamengo XI vs PSG:
Rossi – Varela, Danilo, Léo Pereira, Alex Sandro – Pulgar, Jorginho – Carrascal, De Arrascaeta, Everton or Lino – Bruno Henrique
NEXT MATCH
PSG
Flamengo FC
2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup final
Local Time (France): Wednesday, December 17 — 18:00 CET
US Eastern Time: 12:00 PM ET
US Pacific Time: 9:00 AM PT
• US Broadcast: Fanatiz USA / beIN Sports / beIN Sports Connect / beIN Sports en Español / fuboTV