Ligue 1 champions PSG are all set to kick-start their 2024/25 league campaign with an away trip to Le Havre at Stade Oceane on Friday.
After surviving the drop by the smallest of margins, Le Havre will be eager to start the new season on a positive note by shocking the defending champions PSG who were once again clinical last season. However, they do have a big challenge this time around as it will be their first season without Kylian Mbappe since 2016/17.
Le Havre somehow managed to avoid the drop last season. They finished 15th with a total of 32 points to their name and were three points clear of Metz who ended up getting relegated. They have not had the best of pre-seasons as they have lost both their matches heading into their opener against PSG.
The home side lost 2-1 to Red Star on August 9 and a day later, VfL Bochum smashed them 6-0. While things have not been going according to plan for them, creating an upset against PSG will be the best possible way to start the season for Didier Digard’s men and that is what will drive them.
PSG once again fell short of the Champions League title last time out but they did ensure that they dominate the proceedings in Ligue 1. They finished top with 76 points in 34 outings and were nine points clear of challengers AS Monaco.
The French giants’ first friendly against SK Sturm Graz ended in a 2-2 draw, and they followed it up with a 1-1 draw against RB Leipzig on Saturday. While they have not tasted victory in the friendlies, Luis Enrique’s team have enough quality in their ranks to get the desired result on the day.
The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at all teams and tries to predict the tactics they could deploy.
Team News & Tactics
Le Havre
Didier Digard does not really have any fresh injury concerns but he will be without Andy Logbo, who has not featured for them since November after a cruciate ligament tear.
They have added three new players to the mix Ismaïl Bouneb, Ruben Londja and Yanis Zouaoui. Both teenagers are unlikely to start here but full-back Zouaoui is expected to make his debut. The home team are expected to go ahead with the 4-2-3-1 formation where Arthur Desmas will be in goal.
The back line will be made up of Gautier Lloris, Etienne Youte Kinkoue, Arouna Sangante and Zouaoui. They will look to ensure they keep things tight at the back against one of the deadliest attacks in France.
Abdoulaye Touré will form the double pivot in the centre of the park alongside Oussama Targhalline. The duo will look to control the tempo and shield the backline.
In attack, Josué Casimir and Antoine Joujou will take charge as the winger. They will provide width to their attacks while Daler Kuzyaev could feature in a number ten role. Teenager Steve Ngoura could be leading the line for them.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Desmas; Sangante, Kinkoue, Lloris, Zouaoui; Targhalline, Toure; Casimir, Kuzyaev, Joujou; Ngoura
Paris Saint-Germain
After being forced off in their friendly against Sturm Graz, Lucas Beraldo is expected to be out of this fixture. Meanwhile, Presnel Kimpembe, Lucas Hernández and Nordi Mukiele are unlikely to play a part because of fitness concerns. Willian Pacho could be handed his competitive debut against Le Havre.
Manuel Ugarte might not feature in this fixture as he is surplus to requirements at PSG, who are in talks with Manchester United to sanction his departure.
Luis Enrique’s team are expected to go ahead with the 4-3-3 formation, where Gianluigi Donnarumma will be in goal. Carlos Soler and Nuno Mendes are expected to be the full-backs for the opening fixture with Milan Skriniar and Pacho expected to take charge in the heart of the defence.
PSG have forked out a significant fee to bring in Joao Neves who is expected to be in the starting XI alongside Warren Zaire-Emery and Vitinha. They could be their go-to options in midfield this season.
Bradley Barcola and Randal Kolo Muani will provide width to their attack, while Portuguese attacking sensation Goncalo Ramos will be leading the line.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Soler, Skriniar, Pacho, Mendes; Zaire-Emery, Neves, Vitinha; Barcola, Ramos, Muani
Key Stats
- Le Havre have lost 14 out of the last 22 Ligue 1 games played at Stade Oceane.
- In their first campaign back in the French top flight, Le Havre scored 34 goals and ended up conceding 45.
- Last season, PSG clinched their 10th league title in the last 12 seasons.
- PSG had the best attack in Ligue 1 last season as they scored 81 goals.
- The hosts are yet to win a game against PSG.
Player to Watch
Vitinha
Vitinha is one of those players who quietly does his job and very rarely does he have the limelight. The 24-year-old has grown in stature since joining PSG. He has established himself as one of their mainstays and started to showcase the exceptional abilities that he possesses.
He was one of the standout performers for the French giants last season as he finished with nine goals and five assists in his 46 outings. The Portuguese international had an impressive Euro 2024 campaign and Enrique will hope he once again helps him control the tempo of games.
Prediction
Le Havre 1-3 PSG
Both teams haven’t been in the best of forms of late, the pre-season hasn’t gone according to plan for either of them and they are expected to be a bit sloppy on the defensive side of things. But, since there is a massive difference in quality between PSG and Le Havre, expect the French giants to come out on top with ease at the end.
The Hard Tackle predicts a 3-1 win for PSG on the opening day of the 2024/25 Ligue 1 season.
