Paris Saint-Germain vs Troyes Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats

PSG will resume domestic action and look to extend their lead at the top of the Ligue 1 table when they take on Troyes on Saturday.

PSG, who face Troyes next, have ensured positive results in recent weeks have dampened some uncertainty. The overall atmosphere is back to being positive among the fan base, particularly after seeing their coveted front-three gelling well together.

Les Parisiens dispatched Maccabi Haifa 7-2 in the UEFA Champions League and practically confirmed their status as group winners. PSG can now focus on domestic matters as Christophe Galtier aims to extend the lead on top of the table. Having beaten Marseille recently, the Parisians got a foothold in Ligue 1 and remained five points ahead of Lens and Lorient.

Galtier would be keen to continue a solid unbeaten run, which currently stands at 27 games in all competitions. PSG also boast the record this season for most goals scored and the fewest conceded. Another few wins would open up the points gap nicely for the champions, making them favourites to win the title for another season.

To the liking of PSG, Troyes helped them in the last matchday with an eventful draw with early pace-setters Lorient. Manager Bruno Irles will be unhappy with the overall outcome considering his team went two goals ahead and got pegged back to share the spoils.

There are plenty of reasons for optimism for Irles ahead of the PSG clash. If they get a positive result at the Parc Des Princes, it will go a long way to boost their chances of getting dragged into a relegation dogfight.

Troyes are 11th on the table and four points clear of the relegation zone. Additionally, they have scored ten goals in their last five Ligue 1 games, which makes them an exciting prospect to trouble PSG. For now, Irles will be happy with his team’s progress as a mid-table side, having secured promotion to the top flight in 2021.

Team News & Tactics

Paris Saint-Germain

Christophe Galtier will have a strong squad ahead of the Troyes game. Danilo Pereira is the only possible absentee, as he is yet to recover from a hamstring problem. The manager will have Marco Verratti back from a European suspension, meaning the midfielder will slot straight into the starting lineup.

Meanwhile, Presnel Kimpembe and Nuno Mendes are also back in the squad, although whether they go straight into the starting lineup remains the question. Galtier might also count on Sergio Ramos, who is back after serving a domestic suspension.

With many of his defenders back in contention, Galtier could revert to a back three, with Ramos, Marquinhos and Kimpembe the likely contenders. Achraf Hakimi and Mendes could play on wing-backs, while a midfield comprising Verratti and Vitinha is likely to start.

The front three needs no changing, with Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar in flying form in front of the goal.

Probable Lineup (3-4-3): Donnarumma; Ramos, Marquinhos, Kimpembe; Hakimi, Verratti, Vitinha, Mendes; Messi, Mbappe, Neymar

Troyes

Bruno Irles may have to go without Karim Azamoum, who is yet to recover completely from an ACL injury. Meanwhile, Lucien Agoume is also a significant doubt as he is yet to be fit from a muscular problem.

There are no other major concerns in the squad for Troyes. However, Irles has the decision to make on veteran defender Adil Rami. The 36-year-old centre-back asked to remain out for the Lorient game, and there are doubts whether he would re-integrate immediately.

Irles will likely retain the 5-4-1 shape ahead of the PSG game. Mateusz Lis will play in goal with a back five of Thierno Balde, Jackson Porozo, Erik Palmer-Brown, Yoann Salmier and Abdu Conte, all likely to start against PSG.

Last week’s goalscorer Rony Lopes will star on the right wing, with Wilson Odobert on the other flank. Troyes will continue with the central midfield partnership of Rominigue Kouame and Xavier Chavalerin. Mama Balde will lead the line for Troyes against PSG.

Probable Lineup (5-4-1): Lis; Balde, Porozo, Palmer-Brown, Salmier, Conte; Lopes, Kouame, Chavalerin, Odobert; Balde

Key Stats

• PSG have scored 32 goals in Ligue 1 this season, which is the highest of all teams.
• PSG have the best defensive record in the division, having conceded only five goals all season.
• PSG are on a 27-game unbeaten streak in all competitions.
• PSG have scored only ten goals of their 32 on home soil this season.
• Troyes have not beaten PSG in 21 years, last winning against the Ligue 1 champions in November 2001.

Player to Watch

Lionel Messi

Two goals and two assists in the Champions League clash against Maccabi Haifa may have warmed Messi’s boots even further. The Argentine playmaker has already been in solid form after a difficult first season. And he would like to stamp his authority on proceedings in France.

Messi must get on his best form, with the 2022 FIFA World Cup around the corner. And PSG will be hoping they get to see the best of the Argentine magician at home, and against Troyes, it’s a great opportunity for the Argentine.

Prediction

Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 Troyes

Troyes have had a positive season, but facing up to a giant like PSG will be challenging. The mid-table side only managed to draw against Lorient, and their scoring form brings some optimism ahead.

PSG are full of brilliant attackers and boast a mean defence. Troyes, like other sides, will struggle to get past both ends. This game looks poised to end in a victory for the home side, with PSG expected to score at least three or more goals past their opponents.