It’s no secret that Paris Saint-Germain is the favorite to win Ligue 1. They’ve won the French league 11 times in the last 13 seasons. However, coming off a long and grueling season, Les Parisiens could face real competition for the Ligue 1 title.
As things stand at the moment, PSG sits atop the Ligue 1 table, but they’re only one point ahead of rivals Olympique de Marseille, who beat the reigning champions already this season. The return match in February at the Parc des Princes between those two sides will be one to watch, with many using Livefootballtickets.com to find tickets. But what other teams could push PSG until the end of the season?
AS Monaco is another team that has historically challenged PSG. They have Ansu Fati, who is tied for the most goals in the French league this season. Folarin Balogun is another solid goalscorer, and Paul Pogba brings a wealth of experience to the Principality Club. Other standouts for Monaco include Maghnes Akliouche, a potential PSG transfer target, Jordan Teze, and former PSG defender Thilo Kehrer. PSG will get their first test against Monaco on November 29, when they travel to the Stade Louis II.
Another club that will challenge PSG this season is Strasbourg. Joaquin Panichelli is tied with Fati for the most goals in Ligue 1, and while several of their top players are injured, like Emmanuel Emegha, Mamadou Sarr, and Sebastian Nanasi, there’s still plenty of talent in the squad, including Désiré Doué’s brother, Guéla Doué. PSG will host Strasbourg at the Parc des Princes on October 17.
Olympique Lyonnais is one of the great, historic French clubs, and while they currently sit fourth in the table, they are more than capable of going on a run and challenging PSG. Malick Fofana is a talented winger, Ainsley Maitland-Niles has Premier League experience, and Corentin Tolisso is a solid midfielder who can control the game and get forward to score goals. PSG will face Lyon on November 9.
Finally, if there’s an underdog side that might be able to beat PSG this season, it’s Stade Rennais. Jeremy Jacquet could be the next talented, young player that Rennes produces. They also have Ludovic Blas on the wing, Quentin Merlin on defence, Brice Samba in goal, and Breel Embolo, who arrived this summer from Monaco. Rennes always seems to play PSG tough, and the two sides renew their rivalry on December 6 at the Parc des Princes.
A competitive league benefits PSG and the other teams. If the competition is in doubt until the last day, it will increase interest in France and abroad.
