The preview: Paris-Strasbourg

THE TABLE

Paris Saint-Germain are on 15 points after eight league games following their win over Rennes last time out. The capital club is two points off Monaco, the league leaders, and a point behind second-placed Nice.

Strasbourg have lost their last two matches, both at their Stade de la Meinau home: 1-0 to Lens, then 2-1 to Nantes, leaving them on 10 points from eight matches and in 11th place before the weekend's play. 

THE LAST TIME THEY MET

It was the penultimate game of last season in Strasbourg with Paris heading east knowing they would be champions if they avoided defeat. Kylian Mbappé lost an early one-on-one with Matz Sels before Habib Diallo tested Gianluigi Donnarumma. The hosts' Senegal international forward then hit a post before Mbappé teed up Lionel Messi to open the scoring (0-1, 59'). Former Parisian Kevin Gameiro equalised (1-1, 79'), but though they were unable to get the win, the Parisians still celebrated at the final whistle after clinching the title.

OPPONENT'S STRENGTHS

Patrick Vieira and his team play in two formations: 4-3-3 or 5-2-3. Goalkeeper Matz Sels is also their captain, and in front of him he has Gerzino Nyamsi, who has a team-high 54 possession recoveries this season. Former Marseille man Lucas Perrin is alongside him in central defence, with Frédéric Guilbert sometimes making it a back three, though he usually operates at right-back. The former Bordeaux man has a team-high 18 interceptions this season.

Young Marvin Senaya can also play at right-back where he has won 75% of his aerial duels this season. On the other side, Thomas Delaine has made the left-back role his own. He also contributes going forward with a team-high 149 touches in the opposition final third this term.

In midfield, Ismael Doukouré (20) is one of the first names on the teamsheet. He has completed 72.7% of his dribbles and earned a France U21 call-up. Mouhamadou Habib Diarra, another France U21 international alongside him, already has a goal and an assist this season. Jessy Deminguet could feature - he has a team-high ratio of 86.2% completed passes - while Ibrahima Sissoko and Junior Mwanga are further options for the middle of the park.

Promising youngster Angelo Gabriel, who is on loan from Chelsea, has 12 actions leading to a goal this season. On the left, Dilane Baker is in good form, but Gameiro or Lebo Mothiba could come into the side if Vieira opts for two central strikers. Emanuel Emegha looks likely to be unavailable for the game.

Milan skriniar - Gerzino nyamsi: THE DUEL OF THE MATCH

Both will try to be the rock on which their team's victory is built. Both have played all 720 minutes of the league season so far. Skriniar has the edge on the ball with 96% completed passes to his rival's 87.8%, while the Slovakia captain has had 935 touches to Nyamsi's 551.

The former Rennes man has 12 successful tackles (10 for Skriniar) and 32 clearances (15 for Skriniar), while his imposing physique has helped him win 55.6% of his aerial duels.