Enrique's Phantom Forward: PSG's Clever Plan to Topple Tottenham
26 November 2025
Context and Tactical Twist
Spanish coach Luis Enrique has settled on a plan for Paris Saint-Germain to face Tottenham Hotspur in Wednesday's Champions League group-stage clash.
PSG are looking to rebound from a 1-2 home defeat to Bayern Munich three weeks earlier, while Spurs arrive after a heavy 1-4 loss to Arsenal in the Premier League.
The Phantom Forward and the Lineup Talk
According to L'Équipe, Enrique intends to deploy Georgian winger Khvicha Kvartatskhelia as a false nine, completing the attacking trio with Lee Kang-in and Bradley Barcola.
Ousmane Dembélé, who won the Ballon d'Or this year, will be on the bench as he recovers from a muscle injury, with a return after the international break anticipated.
PSG's predicted XI includes Lucas Chevalier in goal; Nuno Mendes and Marquinhos in defense; Warren Zaïre-Emery at right-back to cover for Hakim Hakimi; in midfield Fabían Ruiz, Vitinha, and João Neves; and the front three Kvartatskhelia, Lee Kang-in, Barcola.
European Context and Referee
UEFA-themed memories: German referee Felix Zwayer will officiate the match, bringing a wealth of experience from past European fixtures, including last season's Europa League final between Tottenham and Manchester United.
The French daily Le Parisien notes Zwayer’s visits to Parc des Princes, including PSG's wins over Arsenal in the prior campaign and other European ties.
In the group stage, PSG have nine points after three wins and a defeat to Bayern; Tottenham sit on eight points with two wins over Villarreal and Copenhagen and draws with Bodø/Glimt and Monaco.
PSG’s campaign opened with a 4-0 win over Atalanta, followed by a 2-1 win at Barcelona, a 7-2 thrashing of Bayer Leverkusen, and a 1-2 loss to Bayern.
Tottenham’s path includes two wins and two draws; Arsenal’s setback earlier in the week aside, Spurs seek to maintain momentum in Europe.
Wednesday’s game at Parc des Princes represents a key test for PSG as they attempt to rebound from their latest domestic setback and keep their Champions League hopes alive.
In European memories, Zwayer is said to be well-versed in high-stakes fixtures, having officiated major ties across the continent and bringing a measured, experienced hand to this clash.
For Tottenham, the German official’s presence adds a layer of credibility as both teams aim to advance from a competitive group stage.
Overall, PSG’s tactical plan and the squad’s rotation give them a chance to outfox Tottenham in a game that could shape Group D’s final standings.
500 appearances milestone: Marquinhos is set to feature as captain in a big European night, while the squad looks to a midfield trio of Ruiz, Neves, and Vitinha to drive proceedings.
PSG’s projected lineup also features Kvartatskhelia, Lee Kang-in, and Barcola as the attacking trio behind the phantom nine, with Dembele waiting in the wings for a potential late influence.
Final note: the clash is a chance for both sides to lay down a marker in a tough group, potentially guiding who advances to the knockout rounds.
Punchline 1: If the phantom striker really exists, PSG will have to install a security system to keep the goals from sneaking out of the net. Punchline 2: And if it all goes wrong, Enrique can always blame it on the ball being too shy to enter the spotlight.
