Pogba awaits PSG in Ligue 1 spectacle in prospect

AS Monaco are in trouble. Three straight league defeats have piled pressure on Sebastien Pocognoli, and their midweek 2-2 draw with Pafos felt like a defeat. The gap to the top three is already worrying, and the clock is ticking. Monaco know they must be sharper, more ruthless in front of goal if they are to have any chance against Paris Saint-Germain this Saturday (7 pm).

PSG arrive as favourites, but cracks have appeared. Tottenham Hotspur scored three goals against the European champions this week, proving that even the stars of Paris can be beaten.

Still, Nuno Mendes will miss the trip to Monaco, sidelined with a minor thigh injury. Achraf Hakimi, Desire Doue, and third-choice goalkeeper Renato Marin are also out. Luis Enrique insists Mendes' absence is purely precautionary, but Monaco will take any advantage they can get.

The midfield battle will be crucial. Denis Zakaria is suspended, leaving a hole alongside Lamine Camara. Enter Paul Pogba. The French superstar made his long-awaited comeback last week after 26 months out of competitive football.

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Against Pafos in the Champions League, he didn't play, but Pocognoli confirmed it wasn't a fitness issue.

"The Paul option was a bit more defensive, but he was ready, and he will be ready," said the Monaco coach.

Could Pogba start?

"He is obviously an option," Pocognoli added. "We have to take things step by step, but we want to give him more minutes on the pitch."

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Monaco fans will be hoping that step comes against Les Parisiens, as Pogba's experience could be key against a PSG side brimming with talent.

The reds and whites need a spark. Pogba's return could be it. But against the European champions, one mistake could undo everything. Saturday night in the Principality promises tension, drama, and maybe, just maybe, a glimpse of Pogba magic.

LIGUE 1 - MATCHDAY 14

Friday

Metz - Rennes 0-1 (0-1)

/Rongier 22/

Saturday

19.00: (5.20) Monaco (4.00) PSG (1.65)

21.00: (1.85) Paris (3.70) Auxerre (4.70)

23.05: (1.60) Olympique Marseille (3.90) Toulouse (6.00)

Sunday

17.00: (1.83) Strasbourg (3.60) Brest (4.40)

19.15: (4.60) Angers (3.90) Lens (1.80)

19.15: (4.30) Le Havre (3.70) Lille (1.90)

19.15: (2.50) Lorient (3.50) Nice (2.90)

22.45: (1.47) Olympique Lyon (4.30) Nantes (7.00)

***odds are subject to change***