An under-pressure Luis Enrique will look to steady the PSG ship when they host Strasbourg after a bad start to their campaign.
Luis Enrique has plenty of questions to answer ahead of Ligue 1 restarting after the international break. The Spaniard may have led PSG to a convincing 3-1 win at home before the break, but results before that have cast some doubts over his style as they return to action against RC Strasbourg.
PSG were thrashed by Newcastle United in the Champions League and played out a goalless draw against Clermont Foot in the game before. With results coming with a patchy form, the Parisians find themselves in third on the table, two points behind leaders AS Monaco.
The return of our internationals ๐โฝ๏ธ
๐ #PSGRCSA pic.twitter.com/x0xkDwGFmu
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) October 19, 2023
With a home game to contest against Strasbourg, Enrique will aim to get a positive result and build on some much-needed momentum ahead of some important games. At home, their form has certainly looked patchy, but they should take inspiration from their last game here, a 4-0 thrashing of rivals Marseille.
Patrick Vieira has a huge task ahead of him, which would require him to help keep the side in a relevant place on the table. After a stunning start to their campaign, winning their first three games, reality has stuck Strasbourg in recent weeks as they face a challenging few weeks ahead.
Back-to-back losses to Lens and Nantes have seen Strasbourg drop down to 11th on the table and level on points with Toulouse. They are only a few points behind in the chase for a European place, but some of the upcoming fixtures would only fill them with a little confidence.
After their away games against PSG, Rennes and Brest, they host Marseille at home. While some may discount them from getting anything out of these crucial fixtures, Vieira could turn Strasbourg’s fortunes around with some important points from those tough clashes.
Team News & Tactics
Paris Saint-Germain
Luis Enrique still has to deal with a rather long list of injured players and may have had fresh problems during the international break. Four other players are suspended for this clash following some offensive chanting towards Marseille supporters.
๐ Medical update ahead of #PSGRCSA@Aspetar
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) October 20, 2023
Those are Randal Kolo Muani, Achraf Hakimi, Layvin Kurzawa and Ousmane Dembele. PSG will also miss Warren Zaire-Emery after the youngster picked up an ankle problem while on international duty, as he joins Sergio Rico, Marco Asensio and Nuno Mendes on the sidelines.
Fabian Ruiz could come in place of Zaire-Emery in that midfield position, and will have Manuel Ugarte and Vitinha for the company there. Milan Skriniar and Marquinhos are primed to keep their places in central defence, while Nordi Mukiele could take Hakimi’s place at right back.
Up front, Goncalo Ramos is well-placed to lead the line in Kolo Muani’s absence. Similarly, Bradley Barcola could benefit from Dembele’s suspension, while Kylian Mbappe will start on the left after another eventful international break with France.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3):ย Donnarumma; Mukiele, Marquinhos, Skriniar, L.Hernandez; Ruiz, Ugarte, Vitinha; Barcola, Ramos, Mbappe
Strasbourg
Patrick Vieira may not have a long injury list, but he could miss at least two key players for the visit to Paris. Chelsea loanee Angelo Gabriel remains doubtful, while striker Emanuel Emegha also carries a similar status.
๐ฐ ๐ข๐ ๐ค๐๐ ๐๐๐ฆ๐ข ๐ฐ
Here's who's available ahead of tomorrow's @Ligue1_ENG match#PSGRCSA pic.twitter.com/tY2PiTEhxJ
— Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace English (@RCSA_English) October 20, 2023
Strasbourg are also missing full-back Karol Fila with a long-term knee injury. But other than that, Vieira has a full set of players. The manager will stick with his attacking philosophy and prepare a lineup that would suit the 4-3-3 system.
Lucas Perrin and Gerzino Nyamsi will stick with their partnership at the heart of the defence, with the support of Marvin Senaya and Thomas Delaine from full-back positions. In central midfield, Vieira will have Ibrahima Sissoko sit at the base, with Ismail Doukoure and Jessy Deminguet on either side.
Without Emegha, Vieira would prefer to go with Lebo Mothiba as his central striker. Dilane Bakwa and Habib Diarra are the current best options for the manager to deploy in the wide areas as he looks to trouble the PSG defence.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3):ย Sels; Senaya, Perrin, Nyamsi, Delaine; Doukoure, Sissoko, Deminguet; Bakwa, Mothiba, Diarra
Key Stats
- PSG have won 13 of their last 14 home matches against Strasbourg in all competitions.
- Paris Saint-Germain have been winning at both half-time and full-time in five of their last seven home matches against Strasbourg in all competitions.
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in five of Paris Saint-Germain’s last six games in Ligue 1.
- Strasbourg have not beaten PSG away from home since 1975, losing 28 times in that period.
- Strasbourg have lost their last two games in Ligue 1.
Player to Watch
Kylian Mbappe
Luis Enrique was a bit enraged at Didier Deschamps for risking Mbappe during the friendly against Scotland. The Ligue 1 top scorer only finished a meaningful game against the Netherlands, scoring a brace and booking France’s ticket to Germany.
Now, onto domestic matters, and Mbappe will have to play a huge role in relieving the pressure on Enrique and have a steady few results on board. The forward is yet to flourish completely this season. But these games, like the ones against Strasbourg, will act as a springboard for him to launch his season.
Prediction
PSG 3-0 Strasbourg
Strasbourg are under tremendous pressure to get a result here in Paris. But the last time they managed a win at this venue was in 1975. So it is added pressure on Patrick Vieira to get that right, but they will struggle against the quality of Luis Enrique’s men.
Enrique has come under some pressure and will see this game as a relieving point to make a mark. Despite the host of absentees, the manager may have the chance to test some of his fringe stars, and they might take the opportunity to shine. Heading into this clash, PSG are the outright favourites for the three points and probably even a clean sheet against Strasbourg.
