Number crunch: Paris Saint-Germain vs Guingamp
The Parc des Princes doors open for the first time in 2019 as the Parisians take on Guingamp in the Coupe de la Ligue. We take look at the big numbers before the action starts.
Paris’ impressive league form has been mirrored by their success in cup competitions, with Thomas Tuchel's side kicking off the new year with a 9th round 4-0 victory in the Coupe De La Ligue. The winners of last season's competition however face a stern test in the form of league rivals Guingamp. The tie is just one of two between the clubs in the French capital this month but it’s far from a dress rehearsal this evening.
Guingamp have met Paris Saint-Germain four times previously in the Coupe De La Ligue and hold the better record of the two opponents. Jocelyn Gourvennec will have faith in his travelling squad after taking four points from six on the road in their last two away games. Their last visit to Paris will still be in the memories of those who witnessed a near-victory for Guingamp. It took two late goals from Edinson Cavani to rescue a point in April last year.
Paris SG will be looking to kick off 2019 as they finished it, with victory in front of their own fans. Should the Rouge et Bleu claim victory they will be semi-final qualifiers for the sixth consecutive season, a victory for the visitors would give Guingamp only their second ever appearance in the last four.
Standing in Guingamp’s path will be a Paris Saint-Germain side who haven’t lost in the Coupe de la Ligue for 27 matches (including 21 straight victories), last experiencing defeat on 27th November 2012. Key to this success has been their prowess in front of goal, the Rouge et Bleu have scored two or more goals in each of their last 12 cup matches (33 goals in that period). Striker Edinson Cavani is the competitions all time top scorer with 16 goals in just 15 games, a record he shares with ex Paris striker Pauleta.