Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) return to domestic action on Friday night as they host Toulouse at the Parc des Princes. While PSG aims to solidify their league dominance, Toulouse comes into this match with growing momentum and confidence.
Match Preview
PSG, under Luis Enrique, continues to face mounting pressure over their underwhelming Champions League campaign. After a 2-1 loss to Atletico Madrid on matchday four, they sit 25th in the standings, at risk of missing out on the knockout stages. With a crucial clash against Bayern Munich looming midweek, Enrique may shift his focus temporarily, but PSG’s Ligue 1 form remains impeccable.
The Parisians hold a comfortable six-point lead at the top of the table, thanks to recent victories over Angers (4-2) and Lens (1-0). Their defensive improvements at home offer hope of consecutive clean sheets for the first time in over a year.
However, Toulouse presents a unique challenge. They are the only Ligue 1 side to have defeated PSG in their last 40 league games, achieving this feat in May. With four points earned from PSG last season, Carles Martinez’s men aim to extend their unbeaten streak against the champions to three matches — a milestone not reached in over 15 years.
Toulouse is enjoying a stellar resurgence, winning three consecutive league games without conceding. These victories against Montpellier, Reims, and Rennes have propelled them from the relegation zone to just two points shy of European qualification. Additionally, their nine away wins in Ligue 1 during 2024 mark a club-record calendar year performance.
Team News
Paris Saint-Germain
Unavailable: Marquinhos (suspension), Presnel Kimpembe, Lucas Hernandez, and Goncalo Ramos (injuries).
Doubts: Willian Pacho, returning late from South America after international duty.
Expected Rotations: Enrique may rest key players ahead of their Champions League showdown with Bayern. Ousmane Dembele is likely to feature after missing international duty, while Randal Kolo Muani’s poor form could see him start on the bench.
Predicted Starting XI:
Safonov; Hakimi, Lucas Beraldo, Skriniar, Zague; Joao Neves, Mayulu, Fabian Ruiz; Doue, Asensio, Barcola
Toulouse
Unavailable: Rasmus Nicolaisen (injury).
Doubts: Mark McKenzie (USA) and Gabriel Suazo (Chile), returning late from international duty.
Likely Unchanged XI: Following their 2-0 win over Rennes, Martinez could retain the same lineup.
Predicted Starting XI:
Restes; Kamanzi, Sidibe, Cresswell, Akdag, Donnum; Casseres, Sierro; Aboukhlal, King, Gboho
Prediction
Paris Saint-Germain 2-0 Toulouse
While Toulouse has shown remarkable improvement, replicating last season’s results against PSG appears unlikely, even with potential rotations in the hosts’ lineup. PSG’s depth has often delivered stronger performances domestically, and they are expected to secure a comfortable win at the Parc des Princes.
