Istanbul Basaksehir take on Paris Saint-Germain in Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Senegal’s Demba Ba and Cape Verde’s Carlos Ponck excluded from the starting XI.
The reigning Turkish Super Lig kings would be hoping to make a winning home debut in the competition against the French team who finished as 2019-20 runners-up.
To achieve this, manager Okan Buruk has decided to start the duo as a substitute, while Nigeria’s Okechukwu Azubuike is ruled out due to injury.
🟠🔵 STARTING XI | #IBFKvPSG
— İstanbul Başakşehir (@ibfk2014) October 28, 2020
🆚️ @PSG_inside
⚡ @ChampionsLeague pic.twitter.com/2oHiR6esoY
In a 4-3-3 formation, Mert Gunok will start in goal while Belgium left-back of Congolese descent Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo will anchor the backline alongside Rafael, Alexandru Epureanu and former Liverpool star Martin Skrtel.
The trio of Irfan Kahveci, Mehmet Topal and Berkay Ozcan occupy the midfield, while the Fatih Terim Stadium giants will rely on Enzo Crivelli, Deniz Turuc and Edin Visca for goals.
For Thomas Tuchel's Ligue 1 side, Senegal's Idrissa Gueye, Bandiougou Fadiga and Madagascar’s Mathyas Randriamamy are among the named substitutes.
The starting XI 🆚 @ibfk2014 !👊 #IBFKPSG
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) October 28, 2020
🔴🔵 #AllezParis pic.twitter.com/FgqJ7IApEP
PSG stuttered to a 2-1 home defeat to Odion Ighalo’s Manchester United on the opening day with Istanbul Basaksehir losing 2-0 to RB Leipzig in Germany. Victory for either team would be crucial on Wednesday night as they hope to qualify from Group H.