Paris-Nantes: A game of contrasts
Paris Saint-Germain are ready to get back to the Parc des Princes on Saturday to face FC Nantes for their Ligue 1 Matchday 13 encounter (9pm). Join us as we look ahead to the game.
THE TABLE
After a promising start to the season that saw them pick up seven points from their first three games, Nantes’ momentum has slowed. They’ve lost their last four against Strasbourg (3-1), Marseille (1-2), Lens (3-2) and Le Havre (0-2). They have tallied just three points from their last nine matches, and have not won since 31 August. With a total of 10 points from 12 games, Les Canaris find themselves in the Ligue 1 relegation play-off spot of 16th.
Paris Saint-Germain, by contrast, remain unbeaten and lead the table with 32 points. They have won their last five league games: Strasbourg (4-2), Marseille (0-3), Lens (1-0), Angers (2-4) and Toulouse (3-0). Beaten 1-0 in Munich in their Champions League Matchday 5 game with Bayern in midweek, the Parisians will no doubt be looking to bounce back.
THE GAME IN NUMBERs
oPPOSITION STRENGTHS
Antoine Kombouaré and his team can set up in different systems, from 4-4-2 to 4-5-1 and also 5-2-3. Alban Lafont remains first-choice in goal however, and in front of him will likely be Cameroon international Jean-Charles Castelletto and France U21 international Nathan Zézé, though Jean-Kévin Duverne could also feature. If they opt for a back three, expect Nicolas Pallois to make a welcome return.
On the right flank, Nantes have a number of options: Duverne is one, but so are Kelvin Amian and Marcus Coco. The latter has greater attacking qualities than the former, who is more defensively minded. Former Metz man Fabien Centonze is an unlikely choice, but Nicolas Cozza is all but certain to start on the left.
Pedro Chirivella will captain the side and aim to hold down midfield alongside Douglas Augusto, though France’s Olympic silver medallist Johann Lepenant – back from injury – could feature too with summer arrival Jean-Philippe Gbamin on the bench.
On the right wing, an out-of-sorts Florent Mollet could lose his place to Wales international Sorba Thomas, who is available again. Matthis Abline (2 Ligue 1 goals this season) or Ignatius Ganago could also play there, but they are likely to be given central roles. Mostafa Mohamed is another option through the middle, and with Tino Kadewere (1 goal, 2 assists in 8 appearances) unavailable, the Egypt international could start. On the left will be Nigeria international Moses Simon (3 goals, 4 assists), who will again be a major threat to the Parisians.
