Mendes and Dembele were rested for PSG’s first game after the extended autumn international break, a 3-1 win over Le Mans, but have been named by Luis Enrique in the travelling squad.
In fact, Dembele was the PSG player put up for the pre-match press conference on Tuesday evening, which is a clear sign that he will start at the Etihad Stadium as he bids to get the better of former team-mate Gianluigi Donnarumma.
“I’ve got a really excellent relationship and memory of him. He’s the number one in the world. Exceptional goalkeeper,” Dembele said. “He can change an entire team with his saves.
“I missed a chance against him when we played against Italy in the international break and he made fun of me a little bit.
“He’s a wonderful goalkeeper and he showed that even before he came to PSG.”
Ousmane Dembele will be reunited with Gianluigi Donnarumma on Wednesday night
AFP/Getty
This would mean as many as eight changes from the weekend with Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Mendes, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz, Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia all returning after being rested against Le Mans.
Ilya Zabarnyi, Lucas Hernandez, Lucas Digne, Dro Fernandez, Lucas Beraldo, Mika Godts and Maghnes Akliouche are also set to make way, thus highlighting PSG’s strength in depth.
Matvey Safonov is PSG’s undisputed first-choice pick in between the posts and that became apparent over the course of last season as Lucas Chevalier struggled to impresses despite being signed to replace Donnarumma.
Predicted PSG XI: Safonov; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Vitinha, Joao Neves, Fabian; Doue, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia.
Injured: Mayulu
Time and date: 8pm BST on Wednesday, October 14, 2026
How to watch: TNT Sports
Venue: Etihad Stadium