It took Luis Enrique a couple of games to settle in, but he seems to have got Paris Saint-Germain moving nicely after Ligue 1 victories over Lens (3-1) and Lyon (4-1) lifted the reigning champions to second in the table after matchday four (W2, D2). A third straight win here as they welcome Nice following the international break would put them top, even if only until Sunday.
How things have changed at the Parc des Princes, where the Parisians lost four of their final six home league games last season (W2), although that should still serve as a warning, particularly against a Nice side that held them to a 0-0 draw there in December 2021. However, on paper this seems a good match-up for the hosts to return to action as PSG haven’t lost a home league H2H since November 2009 (W8, D4).
Like PSG, Nice have taken a little while to get going but are also unbeaten this term (W1, D3), with that sole victory coming in their last game against Strasbourg (W 2-0). Manager Francesco Farioli used the international break to complete his UEFA Pro Licence, saving his club the mandatory €25,000 fine per game for not having one, although from their solid start to the season, you’d never have known he didn’t have it.
The Eaglets therefore travel to Paris with one less financial burden and will be hoping the 34-year-old Italian can inspire some more consistent form on the road (W2, D3, L2). Another Italian, ex-PSG goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu, has been training with them as a potential free transfer, so at least there’s someone in and around the squad who knows how to win there.
Players to watch: Achraf Hakimi got off the mark for the season for PSG against Lyon and his last three strikes for the club have been the second goal of the game – two of those were at home. Terem Moffi got off the mark for Nice this campaign against Strasbourg with a second-half goal, and he has netted three times in six appearances against PSG, each strike arriving after the 50th minute.
Hot stat: Neither PSG or Nice have conceded before half-time this season.
Great upset !