Paris Saint-Germain will aim to keep their perfect start going when they take on Stade Brestois 29 at the Parc des Princes on Saturday night.
After winning all three of their opening Ligue 1 matches for the 2024/25 season, PSG return from the international break to face Stade Brestois 29 at the Parc des Princes on Saturday evening. Luis Enrique’s side will be looking to continue their flawless start, while Brest aim to build on their first win of the season following a comfortable victory over Saint-Etienne.
Even without Kylian Mbappe, PSG have demonstrated their dominance early in the season. They have secured four wins across all competitions — three in Ligue 1 and a legal victory in their ongoing financial dispute with Mbappe. The reigning Ligue 1 champions opened their campaign with a 4-1 win over Le Havre, followed by a crushing 6-0 victory over Montpellier HSC.
Their latest triumph came away at Lille, where goals from Vitinha, Bradley Barcola, and Randal Kolo Muani sealed a 3-1 win. After three matchdays, PSG sit comfortably at the top of the Ligue 1 table, the only team with a perfect haul nine points. Luis Enrique will be eager to secure back-to-back home victories, something PSG have struggled with in 2024.
Having rediscovered their rhythm at the Parc des Princes, PSG are chasing their first consecutive home wins since December when they lock horns with Stade Brestois 29 this weekend. In contrast, Brest’s campaign got off to a rocky start with two heavy defeats. A 5-1 drubbing at the hands of Marseille on opening day was followed by a 2-0 loss away to Lens.
However, Eric Roy’s side bounced back in style with a 4-0 victory against newly-promoted Saint-Etienne, earning their first points of the season. Currently sitting 12th in the Ligue 1 standings, Brest will look to replicate their spirited display against Saint-Etienne. But they face a monumental challenge in PSG.
Brest has historically struggled against the Parisian giants, failing to win any of their last 25 league meetings against PSG. In fact, Brest have not won a top-flight match in Paris in 43 years, and a trip to the Parc des Princes will test their resolve before their upcoming Champions League commitments. The Hard Tackle explores the possible lineups and strategies for this game.
Team News & Tactics
Paris Saint-Germain
In Luis Enrique’s preferred 4-3-3 formation for PSG, Gianluigi Donnarumma will be the man between the sticks, providing his commanding presence as the starting goalkeeper against Stade Brestois 29.
At right-back, Achraf Hakimi, known for his pace and attacking intent, will offer width and support on the right flank. The centre-back pairing will see PSG’s captain Marquinhos partner with the summer signing Willian Pacho, both tasked with maintaining defensive solidity and ensuring the team is compact. Nuno Mendes will feature at left-back, providing both defensive cover and attacking prowess with his ability to drive forward and join the attack.
As for the midfield unit, Lee Kang-in, who has shown versatility and technical skill, will take up a central role on the right side, offering creativity and support in possession. Joao Neves will anchor the midfield, acting as the defensive shield in front of the back four, breaking up opposition attacks and distributing the ball efficiently.
Fabian Ruiz, fresh off a strong performance for Spain, will slot in on the left side of midfield, combining ball retention with the ability to link play between defence and attack. The attacking trio will see Ousmane Dembele take up the right-wing position, where his dribbling skills and pace can cause havoc for opposing defenders.
Randal Kolo Muani will spearhead the PSG attack as the central striker against Stade Brestois 29, looking to use his strength and goalscoring instincts to lead the line effectively. On the left wing, Bradley Barcola will provide an additional threat, using his speed and intelligence to exploit spaces and make diagonal runs into the box to support the central striker.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Lee, Neves, Ruiz; Dembele, Kolo Muani, Barcola
Stade Brestois 29
In Brest’s probable 4-3-3 formation, Marco Bizot will take his place between the posts as the starting goalkeeper, responsible for organizing the backline and making key saves. On the right side of defence, experienced right-back Kenny Lala will look to contribute both defensively and offensively, providing width and crossing ability.
In the centre of the defence, Soumaila Coulibaly, the loanee from Borussia Dortmund, will partner with Brest captain Brendan Chardonnet, both tasked with keeping PSG’s potent attack at bay. Jordan Amavi will slot in at left-back, where his defensive skills and overlapping runs will add balance to the team.
In the midfield trio, Romain Faivre will operate on the right side of midfield, bringing creativity and an eye for key passes. Hugo Magnetti will take on the role of a deep-lying playmaker in central midfield, dictating the tempo and linking defence to attack. Mahdi Camara will complete the midfield on the left side, adding defensive coverage and ball progression to help the team in transitions.
The attacking trio will see Romain Del Castillo line up on the right wing, where his dribbling and crossing will be crucial in unlocking PSG’s defence. Target man Ludovic Ajorque will lead the line as the central striker, using his physicality and aerial prowess to cause problems for the Parisian defenders. On the left wing, Abdallah Sima will offer pace and directness, aiming to stretch the defence and provide a goalscoring threat by cutting in from the left side.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Bizot; Lala, Coulibaly, Chardonnet, Amavi; Faivre, Magnetti, Camara; Del Castillo, Ajorque, Sima
Key Stats
- PSG are unbeaten in their last 25 Ligue 1 games against Stade Brestois 29 (W17 D8), the joint-longest current run by one club against another in the top-flight alongside PSG’s record against Angers.
- PSG have lost only one of their 17 home games against Brest in Ligue 1 (W10 D6), with their sole defeat coming on September 12, 1981 (1-2). PSG have scored in 15 of these 17 home games against SB29.
- PSG have scored in 29 of their last 30 Ligue 1 games, amassing a total of 80 goals during this period, with the only exception being their 0-0 draw against Monaco on March 1.
- Brest have a 9% win rate against Ligue 1 title holders (3/35 – D9 L23), the lowest percentage among the teams currently in the top-flight.
- PSG have not won two consecutive home games in Ligue 1 since September to December 2023, having beaten Montpellier in their opening game at the Parc des Princes this season.
Player to Watch
Randal Kolo Muani
Randal Kolo Muani will be the key player to watch for Paris Saint-Germain in this clash. The French forward has quickly become a vital part of PSG’s attacking setup since his arrival. His combination of pace, technical ability, and finishing makes him a constant threat to opposing defence.
Kolo Muani’s versatility allows him to drift wide or play through the centre, causing all sorts of problems for defenders. He has already shown his clinical edge with his goal against Lille, and with Kylian Mbappe out of action, Kolo Muani will shoulder even more responsibility in leading PSG’s attacking line. Facing a Brest defence that has been shaky this season, he could be the key to unlocking their backline and continuing PSG’s winning momentum.
Prediction
Paris Saint Germain 4-0 Stade Brestois 29
Brest’s long-standing struggles against PSG are unlikely to be broken this weekend, as the Parisians look set to continue their dominant form. Despite some midfield absences, Luis Enrique’s side has been firing on all cylinders, with multiple players contributing to the goal tally.
PSG’s superior attacking depth and form should overwhelm a Brest side that has traditionally struggled against the Ligue 1 champions, especially in Paris. Expect PSG to control the game and secure a comfortable victory.
