Chasing their fourth consecutive away win in all competitions, Ligue 1 title-holders Paris Saint-Germain are set to face Strasbourg at Stade de la Meinau this Friday night.
Luis Enrique’s squad saw a two-goal advantage evaporate in a 2-2 tie with Brest recently, while Strasbourg also ended up drawing 1-1 at home against Clermont.
Match preview
Just a week before their match with Clermont in the league, Strasbourg knocked them out of the Coupe de France with a 3-1 victory at Stade Gabriel-Montpied. However, it seems Clermont learned from that loss.
Strasbourg was leading against Clermont thanks to Moise Sahi Dion’s goal but saw their lead disappear when Shamar Nicholson scored at 52 minutes, ending the game in a draw for Pascal Gastien’s team.
Despite several chances for Clermont to win, Strasbourg managed to extend their unbeaten streak to eight games across all competitions, a significant improvement from their previous losses in September and October.
With 12 points from their last six Ligue 1 games, Vieira’s team now sits comfortably in the middle of the table, far from both the relegation zone and the top four spots.
Strasbourg, currently on a ten-game scoring run in both league and cup matches, is hosting PSG with a strong recent record.
In contrast, PSG seemed on track to beat Brest with goals from Marco Asensio and Randal Kolo Muani, but Brest fought back in the second half, leading to a draw.
PSG, who failed to secure a sixth consecutive win, are still six points ahead at the top of the league, aiming to continue their unbeaten streak in away Ligue 1 games.
Despite drawing in their last two visits to Stade de la Meinau, PSG beat Strasbourg 3-0 in their last meeting and haven’t lost to them since December 2017.
Strasbourg Ligue 1 form: D W W W D D
Strasbourg form (all competitions): W W W D W D
Paris Saint-Germain Ligue 1 form: W W D W W D
Paris Saint-Germain form (all competitions): W W W W W D
Team News
Strasbourg will be without Saidou Sow, as he’s still in the Africa Cup of Nations with Guinea. They’re likely to field the same team from their draw with Clermont.
Kevin Gameiro, along with others like Lebo Mothiba and Jeremy Sebas, are sidelined due to injuries, potentially prompting Vieira to adopt a more defensive setup.
For PSG, Achraf Hakimi might not play following Morocco’s exit from the AFCON. Lee Kang-in is still competing in the Asian Cup, and several players are out injured or suspended, including Bradley Barcola.
Despite transfer rumors, Marco Asensio is expected to start after scoring in the last game.
Possible starting lineups:
Strasbourg: (5-3-2)
Sels;
Senaya, Perrin, Nyamsi, Sylla, Delaine;
Mwanga, Sissoko, Diarra;
Emegha, Dion
Paris Saint-Germain: (4-3-3)
Donnarumma;
Zaire-Emery, Pereira, Marquinhos, Hernandez;
Asensio, Ugarte, Vitinha;
Dembele, Kolo Muani, Mbappe
Prediction: Strasbourg 1-3 Paris Saint-Germain
While Strasbourg has been scoring consistently, they might prioritize defense against PSG’s potent attack. However, PSG, bolstered by key players’ return, is likely to continue their winning form away from home.