AS Monaco will be hoping to return back to winning ways when they welcome league leaders Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday. Both teams are arriving at this fixture from totally different directions. For Monaco, it’s about survival and stopping their slump. For PSG, it’s about stretching their lead and keeping the rhythm going.
Softfootball understands that Luis Enrique’s men have been in good form this season. They are top of the Ligue 1 table, following a recent comfortable 3-0 league win over Le Havre.The team’s confidence is high, and the league champions look like they’re finally building dangerous momentum.
Monaco, meanwhile, are dealing with something closer to a crisis. Under Sébastien Pocognoli, they’re staring at what could be a fourth straight Ligue 1 defeat. Their 2-2 Champions League draw with Pafos did little to ease pressure, especially after they twice threw away the lead.
Recent 4-1 losses in the league have exposed glaring defensive issues, shaky concentration, and tactical gaps that PSG will absolutely test.
To stand any chance, Monaco need a real shift in attitude and organisation, especially at the back, where PSG’s pace and creativity could cause chaos.
The team posted photos of their players preparing for the game via their official X account.
View the post below:
Team News
The hosts are dealing with a handful of unwelcome absences. Denis Zakaria is suspended after his straight red card last weekend and will miss the next two league games. Eric Dier is unavailable because of a calf issue, while Christian Mawissa remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Folarin Balogun returns from suspension and should lead the line. Paul Pogba, who finally made his long-awaited Monaco debut off the bench last week, is another option to replace Zakaria in midfield.
PSG also has injury concerns. Achraf Hakimi, recently crowned Africa’s best player, is still out with an ankle problem. However, Ousmane Dembélé returned from his calf injury in midweek and could start here.
Nuno Mendes was taken off at halftime in their last outing as a precaution. He should be fine, though Lucas Hernandez may come in if Enrique decides to rotate.
Possible Lineups
Monaco (4-2-3-1):
Hradecky; Vanderson, Teze, Henrique, Kehrer; Coulibaly, Camara; Akliouche, Golovin, Minamino; Balogun
PSG (4-3-3):
Chevalier; Zabarnyi, Zaire-Emery, Pacho, Hernandez; Ruiz, Lee, Vitinha; Kvaratskhelia, Dembele, Barcola
Softfootball’s Prediction
Monaco’s lack of confidence and defensive instability come at exactly the wrong time. PSG are scoring for fun, and the squad looks full of belief; it’s hard to see Monaco keeping them quiet.
Prediction: Monaco 0–4 PSG
