PSG host OGC Nice in a crucial Ligue 1 encounter at the Parc des Princes on Saturday.
PSG vs Nice – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: 1st November, Saturday.
- Kick-off: 4pm BST.
- Venue: Parc Des Princes, Paris.
PSG Team News
Désiré Doué suffered a right thigh injury in the midweek draw against Lorient and is expected to be sidelined for “several weeks,” following further assessment after the international break. The 20-year-old forward, who had scored three goals in eight matches this season, was visibly emotional as he was carried off the pitch on a stretcher.
Ousmane Dembélé has returned to the starting lineup following his hamstring injury, whilst other players like Kang-In Lee and João Neves are being carefully managed after respective ankle and hamstring concerns. Vitinha, recently appointed vice-captain following his impressive form, is expected to feature prominently in midfield.
Luis Enrique confirmed at his post-match press conference following the Lorient draw that the squad remains largely available for selection, with young talents forming a significant portion of the squad rotation policy to manage workload.
Nice Team News
Nice will be without several key players. Mohamed Abdelmonem, Youssouf Ndayishimiye, Terem Moffi, and Moise Bombito are all unavailable through injury, with Bombito sidelined until early February with a broken ankle. Dante and Jawadiah Clauss are also doubtful through knee injuries. Manager Franck Haise has adopted a more direct tactical approach this season, with his side maintaining less than 50% possession in each of their last eight competitive matches whilst remaining dangerous on the counter-attack.
Form
PSG
Following their dominant Champions League victory over Bayer Leverkusen (7-2) and a 3-0 league win against Brest, Les Parisiens were frustrated in their midweek encounter with Lorient. Despite creating numerous opportunities and maintaining 70% possession, they were unable to overcome the newly promoted side’s resilient defensive setup. Luis Enrique acknowledged the disappointing performance post-match, stating: “We could have played another 90 minutes and still not scored. Today was tough.”
PSG’s home record, however, remains strong. They have won three of their four domestic matches at the Parc des Princes this season, and they harbour an impressive unbeaten run in November dating back to 2020, with their last home defeat in this month occurring in 2012.
Nice
Nice have discovered their rhythm in recent weeks. Franck Haise’s tactical adjustments have yielded positive results, culminating in a remarkable 2-0 victory over third-placed Lille on 29 October. This win represented their third consecutive league triumph, with Nice scoring multiple goals in three consecutive matches. Most significantly, Nice have claimed points in their previous five league outings, recently drawing with champions Monaco and defeating Lyon.
Predicted Lineups
PSG: Chevalier; Zaïre-Emery, Marquinhos, Zabarnyi, Mendes; Vitinha, Neves, Mayulu; Kvaratskhelia, Dembélé, Barcola.
OGC Nice: Diouf; Peprah Oppong, Bah, Mendy; Bard, Vanhoutte, Abdul Samed, Gouveia; Diop; Boga, Carlos.
How to Watch PSG vs Nice?
The game will be available on the Ligue 1 Pass streaming service, which holds the broadcasting rights for Ligue 1 matches in the UK.
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