Paris Saint-Germain returns to domestic action this weekend when RC Strasbourg Alsace visits the Parc des Princes in Ligue 1. Luis Enrique’s men will aim to avoid a similarly tricky return from the international break to September, which saw OGC Nice win 3-2 in the capital.
The French champions are currently third in Le Championnat behind leaders AS Monaco and Les Aiglons, who are now the only unbeaten side left in Ligue 1 after PSG won away at Stade Rennais. October and November offer opportunities to close the two-point gap at the French summit with surprise package Stade Brestois 29, Montpellier HSC, and Stade de Reims in the top flight.
However, there is also a crucial UEFA Champions League doubleheader with Milan, which will now take on added importance given the heavy defeat to Newcastle United and the Italians’ slow start. The November international break offers PSG the opportunity to close the gap on Monaco before their meeting in Paris after the pause.
We look at the next six games and where Les Parisiens should focus their efforts.
Read the full article at PSG Talk Extra Time on Substack.
Home: RC Strasbourg Alsace
PSG were slow out of the block against Nice, with South American pair Marquinhos and Manuel Ugarte short on time to return to Paris for duty. Taking both out of the XI proved costly, with the Uruguayan’s absence particularly evident, and Luis Enrique will need to prepare for that this time against Strasbourg. Patrick Vieira’s men are not as tricky an opponent as Nice, so there is lower potential for trouble, but it is still a game that PSG must not take lightly. The Alsace outfit has taken points against the likes of Olympique Lyonnais and Toulouse, so they can certainly pose a threat.
Home: AC Milan
Arguably, the most crucial game in this run of fixtures comes at Parc des Princes against Milan, with PSG needing to steady the ship after that blowout loss in Newcastle. Beat the Rossoneri like they did Borussia Dortmund, and the French giants can still project toward the knockout phase with relative confidence, while a draw or loss could allow the Germans back into the equation, although BVB could also do PSG a favor by taking points away from the Magpies. A much-improved showing is needed to get Champions League aspirations back on track, so it is vital to deliver here.
Away: Stade Brestois 29
Based on current form, Brest on the road is actually the hardest domestic game of the lot on paper, with only goal difference separating the two clubs at present. Reims are two points further back, but Eric Roy’s men are the real surprise package of this French season so far and have only lost to Olympique de Marseille at present. It should not be too tricky for PSG, yet the same was said about Lorient at home, Toulouse away, and Clermont on the road with just three points from a possible nine there. Brittany based on form so far this term, could be where further points are dropped unless this year’s improved squad depth starts to tell in terms of form.
Read the full article at PSG Talk Extra Time on Substack.
