PSG will host their city rivals Paris FC at Parc des Princes on Sunday in a historic Ligue 1 encounter.
This marks the first competitive meeting between the two Parisian clubs since 1978 and represents an uncommon derby at the top flight, with newly promoted Paris FC seeking to upset the European champions.
PSG vs Paris FC – Match preview and team news
- Date: Sunday, 4th January.
- Kick-off: 7:45pm BST.
- Venue: Parc Des Princes, Paris.
PSG team news
Paris Saint-Germain will be without several key players due to Africa Cup of Nations commitments and ongoing injury concerns. Matvey Safonov, Quentin Ndjantou, Lee Kang-In, Achraf Hakimi, and Ibrahim Mbaye are all unavailable for selection.
Lucas Chevalier is expected to reclaim his place in goal after recovering from an injury. Warren Zaire-Emery will continue as right-back in Hakimi’s absence, having impressed in the role since the Moroccan’s injury against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Marquinhos and Willian Pacho are expected to anchor the defence, though club captain Marquinhos could be rested ahead of the Trophée des Champions final against Marseille next week, with Illia Zabarnyi as a potential alternative.
Manager Luis Enrique faces an intriguing decision regarding the forward line. Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia have both returned to full fitness and are expected to start, leaving Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola to battle for a role.
Paris FC team news
Paris FC will be severely depleted by the absence of five key AFCON participants, significantly impacting their ability to compete. Samir Chergui, Ilan Kebbal, Jean-Philippe Krasso, Moses Simon, and Hamari Traoré are all unavailable. Additionally, Pierre-Yves Hamel and Pierre Lees-Melou remain doubts due to injury.
Germany international Kevin Trapp is expected to start in goal, with the ex-PSG goalkeeper having recently reclaimed the number one spot from young prospect Obed Nkambadio.
The defence will feature Moustapha Mbow and Otavio as central defenders, establishing themselves as the mainstay of the Parisian backline. Nhoa Sangui could operate at right-back, a position he is less accustomed to, allowing Thibault De Smet or Tuomas Ollila to feature on the left flank.
In midfield, Adama Camara is likely to step in for the holding role, with Vincent Marchetti and captain Maxime López expected to feature as key figures in the centre of the park. Attack-wise, Willem Geubbels is a strong candidate to lead the line, though he faces competition from Jonathan Ikoné, who can operate both centrally and on the right flank. Alimami Gory could take advantage of Moses Simon’s absence to start on the left wing.
Form
PSG
Luis Enrique’s side has demonstrated impressive resilience after a brief dip in form, responding emphatically to their 1-0 loss to AS Monaco at the end of November. The European champions have won five of their last six league matches, claiming 15 points from a possible 18.
Most recently, PSG secured a commanding 4-0 victory over Fontenay VF in the Coupe de France on December, following their triumphant 2-1 penalty shootout victory over Flamengo in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final.
Paris FC
Paris FC faces this encounter in a difficult period, having struggled in recent weeks and failing to win in their last five Ligue 1 fixtures. The newly promoted side suffered a comprehensive 3-0 defeat to Toulouse. Though they will be boosted by their last result which they won against Raon L Etape (3-0) in a couple de France encounter.
Predicted lineups
PSG: Chevalier; Zaire-Emery, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Ruiz, Vitinha, Neves; Barcola, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia.
Paris FC: Trapp; Sangui, Mbow, Otavio, Smet; Cafaro, Camara, Marchetti, Lopez, Ikone; Geubbels.
How to watch PSG vs Paris FC?
Amazon Prime Video holds exclusive broadcasting rights to this Ligue 1 match and will provide live coverage of the fixture.
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