Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) returns to Ligue 1 action at the Parc des Princes this Sunday, January 12th, at 20:45 CET, taking on a rejuvenated Saint-Étienne. Fresh from their Trophée des Champions victory against Monaco (1-0), Les Rouge et Bleu aim to maintain their unbeaten run in Ligue 1, while Saint-Étienne looks to continue their New Year resurgence. Let’s dive into the key dynamics, team forms, and players to watch in this enticing fixture.
PSG: Dominance on Display
PSG sits comfortably atop the Ligue 1 standings with 40 points after 16 games, boasting an unbeaten record. Christophe Galtier's men have displayed consistency across competitions, winning their last five games, including triumphs over Monaco (Trophée des Champions) and Lyon in the league. With a seven-point cushion over Marseille, PSG enters this game brimming with confidence.
Key players to watch include Kylian Mbappé, who has been a driving force in attack, and Marco Verratti, orchestrating the midfield. Gianluigi Donnarumma’s stellar performances in goal further underline PSG’s strength across the pitch.
Saint-Étienne: A Fresh Start
Saint-Étienne has seen a revival under new coach Eirik Horneland. Following a tumultuous start to the season, Les Verts secured a morale-boosting 3-1 victory over Reims last week, moving out of the relegation zone to 15th place. Their focus will be on maintaining this momentum.
Key players include right-winger Zuriko Davitashvili, who has tallied five goals and two assists this season, and Augustine Boakye, whose recent brace positions him as a potential starter against PSG. With injuries and suspensions affecting the squad, Belgian U-21 international Lucas Stassin will shoulder the attacking responsibility.
Game Dynamics
- Formation Battles: PSG’s dynamic attack led by Mbappé will face a solid Saint-Étienne defence anchored by Gautier Larsonneur. Expect tactical battles between PSG’s fluid 4-3-3 and Saint-Étienne’s compact setup.
- Midfield Contest: The clash in the center of the park, with Verratti and Ekwah leading their respective sides, will be critical.
- Key Absences: Saint-Étienne will miss Ibrahim Sissoko and Ibrahima Wadji in attack, potentially limiting their firepower.
Prediction
With PSG in scintillating form and backed by the Parc des Princes faithful, they remain favorites. However, Saint-Étienne’s newfound confidence could make them tricky opponents. Expect an exciting encounter with PSG likely securing a hard-fought victory.
