The preview: Paris-Toulouse

A look at the table 

It's now official. Following their hard-fought draw in the final seconds against Le Havre (3-3) and the failure of second-placed Monaco to avoid defeat at Olympique Lyonnais (3-2), Paris Saint-Germain have officially been crowned French Champions for the 12th time. With a record of 20 wins, 10 draws, and only 1 defeat in the top flight since the beginning of the season, Paris have picked up 70 points after 31 matches, which is 9 more than ASM who have played one more match.

On the other hand, Toulouse are doing better and better. After a difficult first half of the season, the Violets have managed to find the resources to grab points and climb up the league table, extending the gap between themselves and the relegation zone. With a balanced record of 10 wins, 10 draws, and 12 defeats in the league this season, Toulouse sit in 11th place in Ligue 1 with a total of 40 points from 32 matches. With an 11-point lead over the current play-off spot, Toulouse have already secured their place in the top flight for next season.

the form in numbers 

On Sunday at the Parc des Princes, Paris Saint-Germain will attempt to secure their 12th victory in their last 13 home matches against Toulouse FC, with the only exception being a goalless draw dating back to February 2017 (0-0). And for this, the club from the capital can rely on its current form in the top flight since Paris are still the team with the longest unbeaten streak in Ligue 1 with a run of 26 consecutive matches without defeat (18 wins, 8 draws), which is the 3rd longest streak of its kind achieved by the club in its history. Toulouse is an opponent that Parisians have often had success against, as since the early 2010s, Paris have lost only one of their 26 matches across all competitions against the team from Haute-Garonne (22 wins, 3 draws).

But Toulouse will also have arguments to put forward, as the Violets have gathered 26 points since the beginning of the calendar year, which is the 5th best total during this period in the top flight, on par with Brest and Rennes. What's more, Toulouse are the 2nd best team in Ligue 1 away from home in 2024 with 6 wins and 1 defeat, trailing only behind... Paris Saint-Germain. After their victories at Clermont (0-3), Rennes (1-2), and Lorient (1-2), the team from Haute-Garonne will therefore aim to secure a 4th consecutive away win. This Toulouse side has indeed found the back of the net in their last 4 matches, and once again, they can rely on a fit Thijs Dallinga to continue their momentum. With 6 headed goals, the Toulouse striker is in fact the top scorer in Ligue 1 from aerial situations this season.

the opposition's strengths 

Carles Martinez Novell and his team primarily present themselves in one of two tactical formations: a 5-2-3 and a 4-2-3-1. In goal, French youth international Guillaume Restes (67.9% successful saves in Ligue 1 since the beginning of the season) has been one of the revelations of the season for TFC. Ahead of him, regular starters Logan Costa and Moussa Diarra are expected to feature from the start of the match, while Toulouse will have to do without Rasmus Nicolaisen (suspension) and Christian Mawissa (injury). If the Spanish coach opts for a three-man central defence, then Kévin Keben could be lined up from the start.

In the right wing-back position, Mikkel Desler appears to be the preferred choice, although Warren Kamanzi remains a credible option. On the opposite side, however, there is less suspense as Chilean international Gabriel Suazo seems to have a clear path. In midfield, Swiss international and captain Vincent Sierro (7 goals and 6 assists in all competitions this season) is one of the key players in the Toulouse line-up. Alongside him, Cristian Cásseres (1 goal, 4 assists) and Stijn Spierings will vie for the second starting position, although the latter seems to have a slight edge.

With a more attacking profile, Niklas Schmidt could make an entrance during the match to bring his creativity and quality with the ball at his feet. In attack, Moroccan international Zakaria Aboukhlal is gradually regaining his rhythm after a long injury. He is expected to start the match on the right wing, while Gabonese international Shavy Babicka (4 goals) and Ibrahim Cissoko could provide back-up. On the left flank, Yann Gboho (3 goals, 4 assists) could come into the starting eleven for Toulouse, while Norwegian international Aron Dønnum (1 goal, 5 assists) remains a viable option.

However, there are few doubts about the man that will be leading the line, as Dutch international Thijs Dallinga (18 goals, 5 assists) is the true spearhead of TFC's attack. Behind him, Cameroonian international Frank Magri (5 goals, 3 assists) could also make an appearance but remains uncertain due to a fitness issue. But rest assured, the Parisian defence won't be short of work on the pitch of the Parc des Princes this Sunday evening...