Parisian utopia – PSG have hit full stride and will be hard to stop

We remember last season, when Paris Saint-Germain struggled in the first half of the campaign—especially in the Champions League—but once they hit their stride from February, no one could stop Luis Enrique’s side.

Now is the period when the Parisians are at their best. Lens are still posing a threat in Ligue 1, just two points behind PSG, but the European champions are in great form, having won seven straight league games. Last season they collected six trophies.

That kind of haul won’t be possible this year, as they were sensationally knocked out of the French Cup by city rivals Paris FC. The Champions League is now the main focus. Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele have recovered from injuries, Achraf Hakimi has returned to the squad, and even better performances from PSG can be expected in the decisive three and a half months of the season. Enrique himself says this is when his team are at their peak.

“We are in the best moment of the season. The most important thing is to win the next match in Rennes to put pressure on Lens and Lyon. Right now is when we win trophies,” said Enrique.

PSG travel to Monaco on Tuesday for the first leg of their Champions League playoff tie for a place in the round of 16. The Spaniard will stick to his system, including rotation and the use of teenagers. The Parisians boast the most potent attack and the best defence in the league.

After serving a suspension for a red card, Achraf Hakimi returns, while Fabian Ruiz is likely to miss out due to incomplete recovery. Young Quentin Engantuwa has been sidelined for some time, and another youngster, Senny Mayulu—whom Enrique promoted this season—is also out.

The Spanish coach has not been satisfied with Lucas Chevalier, who arrived in the summer as Gianluigi Donnarumma’s replacement, so Russian goalkeeper Matvey Safonov has started the last three matches and is expected to keep his place. Doue and Dembele should lead the attack, while Khvicha Kvaratskhelia could be rested for the Champions League clash with Monaco, meaning Bradley Barcola is likely to start.

Rennes are in a terrible moment. After four consecutive defeats—three of them in the league—Habib Beye was sacked, and little-known Sebastien Tamboure has taken over on an interim basis. Despite the turmoil, the Brittany side are still well placed in the table, currently sitting sixth, which brings European qualification.

In the first half of the season, PSG thrashed today’s opponents 5–0 at the Parc des Princes in early December, with Georgian star Kvaratskhelia scoring twice.

LIGUE 1 - MATCHDAY 22

Friday

21.00: (8.00) Rennes (5.00) PSG (1.42)

23.05: (1.47) Monaco (4.40) Nantes (6.75)

Saturday

19.00: (1.75) Olympique Marseille (4.00) Strasbourg (4.85)

21.00: (1.80) Lille (3.85) Brest (4.70)

23.05: (4.25) Paris (3.70) Lens (1.90)

Sunday

17.00: (3.35) Le Havre (3.35) Toulouse (2.35)

19.15: (2.00) Lorient (3.35) Angers (4.00)

19.15: (2.80) Metz (3.05) Auxerre (2.70)

22.45: (1.65) Olympique Lyon (4.10) Nice (5.50)

***odds are subject to change***