Tonight, OGC Nice will play on the field of the Parisian giant for the first match of the weekend (8:45 PM). The Eagles, in a critical situation, will have to surpass themselves to achieve an almost impossible feat.
Throughout summer and autumn, PSG has never experienced defeat in this 2017/2018 season. They keep piling up victories, regardless of the competitions they enter. In Ligue 1, Unai Emery’s men have 26 points on the scoreboard, thanks to 8 wins and 2 draws (against Montpellier and Marseille). In the Champions League, they have 9 points and have not yet conceded a single goal. It’s hard to do better in terms of numbers.
When collective inspiration is lacking, the Parisians rely on their attacking trio to make the difference. And for good reason: with 31 goals scored in Ligue 1 and 12 in Europe, the attack remains the major strength of the capital’s team. Between them, Cavani (13 goals), Neymar (10), and Mbappé (4) have already hit the back of the net 27 times on the national and continental scene. Note that the Brazilian number 10, who was sent off in Marseille, will be suspended on Friday night.
Before facing PSG, Lucien Favre gave a comprehensive briefing to the media. Notably, reflecting on the elements that the Eagles will need to use to withstand the challenge.
“We need to play a good match,” started the Gym’s coach. “And in a good match, there is everything: playing the ball well when we have it, taking risks when necessary, regrouping well, pressing if possible… There are many little details we can’t discuss; otherwise, it (the press conference) would last 45 minutes to 1 hour.” Without going into detail, the coach still outlined a precise roadmap. “We need to defend as a team, intelligently. A lot depends on small things: for instance, forgetting to block a passing angle, using the right foot instead of the left foot on a cross, etc. Overall, we must be more compact because that’s the most important. And we must not give them space because they won’t hesitate to take it…”
THE PARISIAN SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Areola, Trapp
Defenders: Berchiche, Dani Alves, Kimpembe, Kurzawa, Marquinhos, Meunier, Thiago Silva
Midfielders: Lo Celso, Nkunku, Pastore, Rabiot, Verratti
Forwards: Cavani, Di Maria, Draxler, Lucas, Mbappé
THE NICE SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Cardinale, Benitez
Defenders: Jallet, Souquet, Burner, Dante, Marlon, Le Marchand
Midfielders: Lees-Melou, Sneijder, Tameze, Walter, Mendy, Lusamba, Koziello
Forwards: St-Maximin, Plea, Balotelli
THE REFEREE
The match will be refereed by Tony Chapron.
