Paris Saint-Germain open their Ligue 1 campaign against Lorient at Parc des Princes as the champions vie for a 10th title in 12 years.
Speaking about a tenth Ligue 1 title on the very first day of the season seems excessive. However, the domination by PSG over the last decade or more makes them instant favourites for the crown even before the campaign begins against Lorient this weekend.
This time in Paris, there is an air of change within the squad and atmosphere in another Kylian Mpappe-surrounded summer of uncertainty. Some may describe the whole saga as toxic, but there are merits to what all parties are suggesting.
Luis Enrique on Mbappé: “It was already a situation that had happened in the past… and a positive outcome had been found”. 🔴🔵🇫🇷
“I hope for an agreement between the club and Kykian. It’s something that I would like very much”. pic.twitter.com/UH75LvEMr6
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 11, 2023
New manager Luis Enrique will want the issue with Mbappe resolved, but there’s no end to the saga. As things stand, PSG could start the season without their talismanic striker up front, and that may even go on for an entire season.
Leaving the Mbappe saga aside, PSG have made some considerable signings in the transfer window, mainly to offset the loss of Lionel Messi. Enrique will steadily integrate those new stars into his system, although it will take a while before the team starts purring in full flow under the Spaniard.
Since Lorient’s promotion back to Ligue 1 back in 2019/20, the team has seen a steady rise in stature. They have gone from strength to strength in the ensuing years, culminating in a 10th-placed finish last season. The club may enter the new campaign with ambitions to become even better and possibly break into one of the European places.
Keeping last season’s form somewhat intact, Lorient had a steady pre-season campaign, as they remained unbeaten in their first four games. Then a loss to Bournemouth followed, and despite much-attacking football from the French side, there was ample progress to see.
Manager Regis Le Bris will want his team to have an excellent start to the campaign and get a p[ositive outcome against PSG. The idea of facing the champions on the opening day can sometimes have a negative impact, but Lorient head into this one full of optimism and positivity.
Team News & Tactics
Paris Saint-Germain
There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the star names at PSG, with Kylian Mbappe clearly out of the picture for the season’s opening game. There are also reports suggesting PSG want Neymar out of the club. While the Brazilian remains available for selection, whether Enrique selects him against Lorient remains to be seen.
🔜 #PSGFCL 👊 https://t.co/BLQBWqQY1k pic.twitter.com/Ld64JIA48S
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) August 11, 2023
Enrique could ideally integrate new arrival Lee Kang-in ahead of Neymar if the latter’s future is the question. There is also a place for new arrival, Marco Asensio and Lucas Hernandez. However, it is still a risk with the latter, who continues to recover full fitness from a severe knee injury suffered at the World Cup with France.
Nuno Mendes, Nordi Mukiele and Sergio Rico are all sidelined for now. Enrique could also take some time integrating Milan Skriniar as part of his starting lineup alongside striker Goncalo Ramos. Hence, there is a strong chance for Hugo Ekitike to start unless he moves to the Premier League, as per reports.
In that case, Ramos might have the chance to make his debut. Meanwhile, another new arrival, Manuel Ugarte, could take his place at the base of midfield alongside Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz, either side of the former Sporting CP star.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3) – Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Kimpembe, Hernandez; Ruiz, Ugarte, Vitinha; Asensio, Ekitike, Lee
FC Lorient
There have been plenty of outgoings, and some key stars have left the group that finished the season. Enzo Le Fee, Terem Moffi, Moritz Jenz and Teddy Bartouche are chief among those.
— FC LORIENT 🐟 (@FCLorient) August 11, 2023
Some key incomings have occurred, with former Manchester City star Benjamin Bendy headlining the transfer activity. Formose Mendy, Aiyegun Tosin and Dembo Sylla also arrived to replace those departed stars.
Lorient have already ruled out the idea of using Benjamin Mendy so soon after an absence from the game for two years, meaning the full-back will need at least a few weeks to get back to speed.
In terms of shape, Le Bris will likely use a back three and a stable midfield four, including wing-backs, to provide the width. In the centre of midfield, Laurent Abergel and Jean-Victor Makengo are his main options, while Gedeon Kalulu and Vincent Le Goff will start out wide.
In the attacking third, Ibrahim Kone will lead the line for Lorient. Bamba Dieng and Romain Faivre will support Lorient in the front three against PSG.
Probable Lineup (3-4-3): Mvogo; Meite, Laporte, Talbi; Kalulu, Abergel, Makengo, Goff; Faivre, Kone, Dieng
Key Stats
- Luis Enrique is PSG’s fifth permanent manager since 2018.
- PSG are aiming for their 10th Ligue 1 title in 12 years.
- PSG only won the 2022-23 campaign by a single point over second-placed Lens.
- PSG have seen over 2.5 goals in 7 of their last 8 home matches against Lorient in all competitions
- Lorient’s last visit to Parc des Princes resulted in a 3-1 victory against PSG.
Player to Watch
Manuel Ugarte
Manuel Ugarte: “Why did I choose PSG? Firstly because it is a very big club, which is aiming for the biggest titles. The sports director (Luis Campos) and the president (Nasser Al-Khelaïfi) convinced me. The project presented was a key element.” @lequipe 🗣️🇺🇾 pic.twitter.com/XNGPJ2FaKe
— PSG Report (@PSG_Report) August 10, 2023
The midfield powerhouse at Sporting CP will have to bring the confidence and spring to his game that led to this significant transfer in the first place. There are eyes on the Uruguayan international ahead of the season opener, as many other high-profile clubs were keen to sign him in the summer.
Ugarte is a solid piece of business for PSG as they beat Chelsea to the signing. He is also key to Luis Enrique’s system and must shine off from the start. There are many other important players on this PSG side. But currently, the Uruguayan occupies the most important position at the base of midfield.
Prediction
PSG 2-1 Lorient
PSG, with their defence from last season, have not looked overly comfortable keeping teams out. They have been leaky enough for many sides to exploit their backline. While the club have made necessary additions, their high-line style of play under Luis Enrique could allow the team a bit more space to explore their backline occasionally.
That might also start in the opening game, as PSG are expected to take three points, but at the cost of a goal or so. The team have plenty of high-profile attacking talents to see the game off and collect the three points, which they will do so with ease.
