PSG are on the verge of sealing the Ligue 1 title with Luis Enrique’s side needing only a point against the next opponent Angers in Paris.
AS Monaco’s narrow win over OGC Nice last weekend was the reason the Ligue 1 title party was postponed in Paris. The second-placed side are mathematically still in it, although it would take seven wins for them and seven losses for PSG to see a swing in the title race as Les Parisiens get set to take on Angers SCO. Not to forget, a big swing in goal difference will also be necessary.
Long story short, PSG are on the verge of yet another Ligue 1 title, with one hand already with a firm grip on the title. The Parisians thrashed a struggling Saint-Etiennie side with a 6-1 reverse scoreline last weekend, and they now need only a point against Angers to lift the title.
Luis Enrique’s side also progressed into the French Cup final with a 4-2 reverse win over second-tier Dunkerque in midweek, as PSG are on course for the ‘treble’ this season. The manager will be focused on next week’s Champions League clash against Aston Villa, which would see the Spaniard even cut short celebrations at the weekend to focus on that clash.
While PSG are on course to confirming their status as champions, visiting Angers are yet to have any respite from talk of a possible relegation. The Ligue 1 strugglers are four points off the relegation zone and have lost each of their last four league games coming into this clash with the Parisians.
Alexandre Dujeux’s side are eager to cause an upset and will probably target postponing the Ligue 1 celebrations in Paris. However, their last victory away from home and otherwise came against Stade Reims in the middle of February, as since then they have one draw and four defeats, which does make them overwhelming favourites to lose against PSG.
Team News & Tactics
PSG
Luis Enrique went with a rather strong lineup against Dunkerque in the French Cup and keeping in mind the upcoming Champions League clash against Aston Villa, he might rest some of his key stars against Angers.
On the injury front, only Lee Kang-in and third-choice goalkeeper Arnau Tenas are absent from proceedings, while PSG will have Senny Mayulu available to take on Angers SCO after serving a suspension.
Enrique will also have Khvicha Kvaratskhelia back in contention following an illness, meaning the Georgian should come straight back into the starting lineup. Vitinha might be rested which could allow Enrique to use Warren Zaire-Emery in the midfield alongside Fabian Ruiz, while the manager might bring Desire Doue in that midfield-three in the capacity of an attacker.
At the back, Willian Pacho could have Lucas Beraldo alongside, as Marquinhos could be rested ahead of the Aston Villa clash, and the same might be the case with Achraf Hakimi. So, Joao Neves could potentially replace the right-back.
Lucas Hernandez might come in for Nuno Mendes at left-back. Goncalo Ramos might slot in for Ousmane Dembele, while Kvaratskhelia and Bradley Barcola will provide the width in the front three for PSG against Angers.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Neves, Beraldo, Pacho, Hernandez; Doue, Zaire-Emery, Ruiz; Kvaratskhelia, Ramos, Barcola
Angers SCO
There are not many issues with the Angers squad ahead of this trip to Paris, although they will continue to miss Halid Sabanovic, Cedric Hountondji, and Emmanuel Biumla alongside Adrien Hunou who has missed most of the campaign.
On the positive side, Himad Abdelli is available again after serving a suspension as he will slot straight into the attacking midfield role against PSG. Angers will persist with a 4-2-3-1 shape against PSG, with Abdoulaye Bamba and Jordan Lefort pairing up at the heart of their defence, flanked by Carlens Arcus and Florent Hanin in the full-back positions.
Haris Belkebla and Yassin Belkhdim will control the central midfield setup, with Jim Allevinah and Farid El Melali operating on the flanks in support of central striker Esteban Lepaul.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Fofana; Arcus, Bamba, Lefort, Hanin; Belkebla, Belkhdim; Allevinah, Abdelli, Melali; Lepaul
Key Stats
- PSG have won their last 17 matches against Angers in all competitions.
- Paris Saint-Germain are undefeated in their last 29 matches in Ligue 1.
- Paris Saint-Germain have scored at least three goals in their last five matches in Ligue 1.
- Angers have lost their last four games in Ligue 1.
Player to Watch
Goncalo Ramos
The Portuguese striker has fallen behind Ousmane Dembele in the pecking order for the No.9 position, although he might have hoped to have a prominent role following the departures of Marco Asensio and Randal Kolo Muani in January.
In any case, Dembele’s form has rendered Ramos a second-choice striker under Luis Enrique, and he will want to make use of all opportunities arriving on his doorstep. Ramos can prove himself as a useful option and could use this game at the weekend to sharpen his form in front of the goal.
The 23-year-old striker could still be a key asset for Enrique off the bench in the UEFA Champions League, and while he remains a firm second choice for the No.9 role, the PSG manager will still want the striker at his best form against Angers SCO.
Prediction
PSG 3-0 Angers SCO
Angers have struggled for goals, and facing the strongest side in Ligue 1 will not help their cause by any means. They will have looked at second-tier Dunkerque’s ability to score two goals past the Parisians, although they will face a PSG side eager to wrap up the Ligue 1 title and concentrate on the UEFA Champions League.
Luis Enrique will want the title wrapped up early in the game as he will focus on the defensive solidity of the team as well as their attacking prowess. There should be no doubts about which team are the overwhelming favourites to take three points here, as PSG are likely to score plenty and keep a clean sheet against Angers. The Hard Tackle predicts a 3-0 win for Enrique and his charges.
