Injuries are tightening the noose - PSG face Strasbourg in a battle for the top

With the Ligue 1 summit on the line, Paris Saint-Germain host Strasbourg at the Parc des Princes on Friday night in what promises to be a thrilling clash in the French capital.

Just one point separates the two sides heading into the match. PSG, the reigning champions, sit atop the table following a 1-1 draw with Lille, while Strasbourg surged into third place after demolishing Angers 5-0.

Despite their usual dominance, PSG are facing early-season pressure in the title race, with just a single point between them and Lyon in fourth. The defending Champions League holders have collected 17 points so far — one fewer than at this stage last season.

Luis Enrique’s men have been flawless at home in the league, winning all three matches in Paris without conceding a single goal — equaling their clean sheet tally from their previous 16 Ligue 1 home games combined. They haven’t failed to score at the Parc des Princes since August 2023, when they were held 0-0 by Lorient, and have already netted five goals in front of their fans this season.

PSG have claimed three league victories this campaign by margins of two or more goals — tied with Marseille for the most in Ligue 1 — and their record against Strasbourg is equally impressive. Since their founding in the 1970s, the Parisians have never lost a home fixture to Le Racing, winning the last six meetings in a row and scoring at least three times in four of the previous five encounters.

Strasbourg, meanwhile, have been grinding out narrow wins for most of the season, but before the international break, they showcased their attacking power. Their five-goal demolition of Angers marked their best scoring display in 90 minutes under Liam Rosenior. Four of their five league victories this season have been decided by a single goal, showing both resilience and efficiency.

Away from home, they’ve been equally strong — winning four of five matches across all competitions this season, including their last two by one-goal margins. In their last four away outings, Strasbourg have scored at least twice per match while conceding just one first-half goal in Ligue 1 all season.

Their form in 2025 has been remarkable: 17 Ligue 1 victories so far this calendar year, the most they’ve managed in over two decades. A win on Friday would see them equal their best total since 1996 (18). However, defensive cracks have started to show, as they’ve conceded five goals in their past two away league matches — the same number they let in over their previous eleven combined.

Ballon d’Or that could come at a high price

As for team news, PSG could be without several key players. Reigning Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, as well as Bradley Barcola and Joao Neves, are all doubtful with hamstring issues. Marquinhos and Senny Mayulu are also likely to miss out due to thigh problems, while Fabien Ruiz may sit again with a sore hip. Desire Doue could return after recovering from a calf injury.

Nuno Mendes was on target in the draw with Lille — his first goal of the season — before Ethan Mbappe Lottin, the younger brother of Kylian Mbappe, equalized late for the hosts.

Strasbourg have their own fitness concerns. Saidou Sow remains sidelined with a knee injury, Mamadou Sarr and Emanuel Emegha are doubtful, and Sebastian Nanasi faces a race against time to recover from a shoulder issue. Ben Chilwell may return after illness, while Maxi Oyedele is questionable with a muscle problem.

LIGUE 1 - MATCHDAY 8

Friday

21.45: (1.35) PSG (5.60) Strasbourg (9.00)

Saturday

18.00: (2.55) Nice (3.50) Olympique Lyon (2.85)

20.00: (5.00) Angers (4.15) Monaco (1.65)

22.05: (1.33) Olympique Marseille (5.10) Le Havre (9.50)

Sunday

16.00: (1.90) Lens (3.85) Paris (4.10)

18.15: (2.60) Lorient (3.45) Brest (2.65)

18.15: (1.80) Rennes (3.60) Auxerre (4.60)

18.15: (1.63) Toulouse (4.00) Metz (5.50)

21.45: (4.40) Nantes (3.50) Lille (1.85)

***odds are subject to change***