This is a massive game at Parc des Princes and a massive test for PSG. They’re two places (3rd v 1st) and 4pts behind opponents Nice, who are currently Ligue 1 leaders Nice. So PSG have to win to close the gap and make a statement about their desire and ability to retain their Ligue 1 crown. PSG are under pressure after a dreadful week. They suffered a shock 3-0 defeat at Montpellier last weekend then relinquished top spot in their Champions League group with a surprise 2-2 home draw v a limited Ludogorets side. Serious questions are being asked of manager Unai Emery and his players after those two underwhelming performances. PSG have good team news as midfielder Rabiot is the only automatic starter ruled out. They will miss his ability on the ball and will attack a little less fluently without him. In all other positions they’re at full strength, meaning they’re overwhelming favourites and that there will be no excuses from the fans or the media if they fail to win.
This is a massive game for Ligue 1 leaders Nice who will relish the opportunity to measure themselves against champions PSG. The mood in the Nice camp should be fairly serene: they ran out 3-0 winners over Toulouse last weekend and have a 4pt cushion over PSG so will stay ahead of their opponents whatever the result. Nice should also be a little fresher than the hosts. Nice’s Europa League game against Krasnodar was a dead rubber on Thursday night and they rested virtually their entire team. After essentially having a night off their players should be fit and focused as they’ve effectively had all week to prepare for this game. Centre-back Baysse is the only automatic starter missing. He’s been out for nearly two months so the team has got used to playing without him. Nice manager Lucien Favre has yet to announce whether Nice will use a 3-5-2 or a 4-3-3 – but no matter how they line-up the visitors would see a draw as a tremendous result.
Verdict & Prediction
Nice will be hugely motivated for this trip to face the Ligue 1 champions. Nice are massive underdogs despite being top of the Ligue 1 table and 4pts ahead of PSG going into the game. In a way that will suit them as they remain something of a surprise package and the match prices treat them as such. They know PSG are under more pressure as the hosts are expected to make a statement by winning. Thus any points that Nice pick up from this game will be considered a bonus.
Prediction: Nice +1.5 AH
Odds: 1.92 Pinnacle
