Paris-Strasbourg: The battle of the youngsters

A look at the standings

After a spectacular 3-3 draw in Lille, the Bleu & Blancs hit back in match day 6 to inflict the first defeat of the season for Marseille (1-0). Just before the international break, Racing held off Lens at the Stade de la Meinau, twice coming from behind (2-2). With 2 wins, 4 draws and just 1 defeat, Strasbourg have 10 points from 7 league games and lie 7th in the table.

For their part, the Parisians recorded an important victory at the Parc des Princes against Stade Rennais FC on match day 6 (3-1), before losing for the first time this season at the Emirates Stadium in the Champions League (2-0). In Ligue 1, on the other hand, the Rouge et Bleu remain unbeaten so far this season, although their latest draw at the Allianz Riviera against OGC Nice (1-1) has seen the Monegasques move to the top of the table, two points clear of the Parisians.

Dynamics in numbers

opposing forces

Liam Rosenior and his team have two main playing systems: 4-2-3-1 and 5-3-2. In goal, new signing Djordje Petrovic has established himself as the first-choice keeper this season. On loan from Chelsea, the Serbian international starts ahead of Alaa Bellaarouch, who is still out with a groin strain. In front of him, the Alsace staff seem to be particularly keen on two players: Saïdou Sow and Mamadou Sarr, who should be back in the squad after missing the last match. And if Strasbourg were to field a three-man central defence, then Côte d'Ivoire international Abakar Sylla would be the favourite to start.

Former Rennes player Guéla Doué, who is capable of playing on the right side of midfield as well as right full-back, will not be taking part. This leaves the Bleu & Blancs with two options on the right: Marvin Senaya, who offers more defensive guarantees, or Dilane Bakwa, who is used to starting higher up the pitch. At the other side, Portuguese U-21 international Diego Moreira is on the comeback trail. Also on loan from Chelsea after a short first spell in the top flight with Olympique Lyonnais, the habitual left-winger has given a new impetus to his career since being positioned a notch further back by his coach.

On Saturday evening, he should once again be lining up on the left side as Caleb Wiley recovers, while Thomas Delaine is nursing his knee. In midfield, the Alsatians have a promising trio. Starting with Ismaël Doukouré, already indispensable to his team, who will have to cope without him at the Parc des Princes. The suspended France U-21 international could be replaced by Junior Mwanga. And alongside him, Brazilian international Andrey Santos is shining. The man who has won the most duels in Ligue 1 this season also knows how to get forward and be decisive, as demonstrated by his 3 goals and 1 assist in 6 games in the top flight.

Finally, Habib Diarra is expected to complete RCSA's midfield, with a more attacking role. The Senegalese international has even been promoted to captain his team this season, proof of the confidence placed in him by the Strasbourg staff. Up front, the solid Emanuel Emegha (3 goals and 1 assist this season) is expected to start in the middle, in preference to Sékou Mara. He could be backed up on the left by Sebastian Nanasi, the Swedish international who has been one of the revelations of the early Ligue 1 season (3 goals, 2 assists). Paris have been warned: they will have to face an ambitious and formidable Alsatian side.