Two games are scheduled to kick-off this weekend's action in the French Ligue 1 this Friday. Our focus, and that of most people, will be at the Stade Louis II as Monaco and PSG go head-to-head. Which side manages to achieve maximum points at the end of 90 minutes?
Monaco, just like other French teams, has an inferior head-to-head record with PSG. The home side head into this game looking to get their first win in twelve games against the defending champions. However, Monaco has been the only team that has stopped Les Parisiens from winning the league title since their dominance commenced in the 2012/13 season.
Monaco getting back to form
As Monaco's form sort of dipped in recent weeks compared to their form in their first five games in the league. Prior to their win against Bordeaux, they were on a three-match winless run. However, it seems they've managed to ride it out as they entertain the defending champions keen to make it three from three.
In their most recent game away at Nice, they managed to see out a narrow victory for their fifth win of the season. Diop opened the scoring in the first half as he rose highest to head in Fofana's cross. Disasi capitalized on calamitous defending from the home side to double his side's lead in the second half. The home side managed to make a game of it a few minutes later via Lees-Melou, but the goal only served as a consolation as the away side ran out 2-1 winner.
Les Parisiens, once again, running away with it
PSG's poor start to the season now seems like a distant memory as the boys from Paris comfortably sit at the top of the table. With the gap building steadily, they will certainly take some stopping this season in their quest to successfully defend their league title this season. It is to be noted that they haven't managed to replicate that same form in the UEFA Champions League. Nonetheless, we still expect them to conjure up, at least, a second-place finish in the group stage.
They comfortably went past Stade Rennes in the game before the international break. Moise Kean continued his fine form in front of goal, opening the scoring for his side. Di Maria doubled his side's lead shortly after as they established a comfortable two-goal margin. Da Silva's own-goal late in the game rounded up the scoring as the Parisiens went into the break with a healthy five-point gap at the summit of the standings.
Monaco vs PSG Team News
Tuchel has quite a number of first-team players on the injury list. Verratti, Bernat, Icardi, and Neymar have all been out for quite some time. Gueye, Kean, Kehrer have all been added to that list after picking up knocks in their most recent game. Benjamin Lecomte is the only major injury concern for the home side.
Monaco possible starting XI:
Mannone; Aguilar, Disasi, Badiashile, Henrique; Diop, Fofana, Tchouameni; Volland, Gelson, Ben Yedder
PSG possible starting XI:
Navas; Kurzawa, Diallo, Marquinhos, Kehrer; Paredes, Herrera, Rafinha; Di Maria, Sarabia, Mbappe
Monaco vs PSG Prediction: 1-2
PSG is quite depleted in terms of first-team personnel heading into this game but their expensive squad depth is expected to suffice. Monaco, on the other hand, will be looking to win three games on the bounce this season but will have to do that against a side they haven't beaten in the last 12 encounters. As such, we believe the away side gets the all-important three points.