09 September 2021, 16:55 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
The French Ligue 1 fixture, Paris Saint-Germain vs. Clermont Foot 63 kicks off at 16:00 (GMT+1) on Saturday, September 11 at the Parc des Princes.
Preview Paris Saint Germain Ligue 1, Sep 11, 2021
Preview Lionel Messi made his long-awaited debut for the nine-time Ligue 1 champions in the 2-0 win over Stade De Reims on Matchday 4 at the Stade Auguste-Delaune II. The Argentine replaced Neymar mid-way through the second half in the 66th minute, as PSG cruised to their fourth consecutive victory of the season: WWWW. PSG were off to a fine start, with Mbappe twisting and turning for an effort which hit the side of the net. Minutes later, the 22-year-old Madrid want-away broke the deadlock (16') with a towering header after getting on the end of Di Maria's inch-perfect cross. Both sides walked off the pitch, with PSG having the lead at the break. Shortly after, Reims saw what would have been the equalizer ruled out by the VAR minutes before Mbappe (63') returned for the brace. PSG are at the zenith of the table with 12 points after four games: 4W, 0D & 0L. Focusing on the goals, Les Parisiens have scored 12 but conceded 5 along the way and have a G.D. of +7. The numbers also show a goal ratio of 3 goals per game. Coach Mauricio Pochettino could line up with the 4—3—3 formation once again with the trio consisting of Neymar, Mbappe and Di Maria in attack. However, Mbappe remains in doubt for Saturday's fixture with a calf injury. PSG will need to look out for the red-hot-form Mohamed Bayo, who has three goals and two assists for Clermont Foot.
Preview Clermont Ligue 1, Sep 11, 2021
Preview Meanwhile, Clermont Foot 63 are in 3rd place with 8 points on the table, having picked up a 2-2 draw in their last game against FC Metz. The newly promoted side have settled into life in Ligue 1 and remain unbeaten in four league games: WWDD. A win over PSG would be impressive for Clermont but leaving Parc des Princes with a valuable point would be a fine result considering the herculean task ahead on Matchday 5. On the goal tally, the Lancers have 9 but conceded 5, which leaves them with a G.D. of +4 and a goal ratio of 2.25 goals per game. Clermont will need no introduction to Kylian Mbappe, knowing the Frenchman is PSG's top scorer with 3 goals. Mbappe also has two assists for PSG, alongside Achraf Hakimi and Ander Herrera. A 4—2—3—1 formation appears to be on the cards for Pascal Gastien with Mohamed Bayo in attack. Clermont arranged to repatriate the player after he was stranded in Guinea in the wake of the coup d'etat in the country. Bayo had arrived in Guinea for the World Cup qualifying fixture against Morocco.