PARIS (AP) — Paris Saint-Germain travels to face Nantes Tuesday in a rearranged Ligue 1 fixture holding significant implications for both sides. PSG continues its historic pursuit of an unbeaten league season, while Nantes battles near the foot of the table, fighting to avoid relegation.
Luis Enrique's Parisian squad aims to extend its remarkable run and build momentum across all competitions, including the Coupe de France final and the Champions League, where they are considered strong contenders for an unprecedented treble for a French club. Their quest for a perfect league campaign nears the finish with just five matches left.
Nantes, currently sitting three points above the relegation zone, faces a tense end to the season. The team suffered a late defeat against Rennes on Friday after playing the final half-hour with 10 men following a red card to Marcus Coco, highlighting their recent struggles.
The earlier fixture between the two teams this season ended in a rare 1-1 draw at the Parc des Princes, a result that briefly interrupted PSG's dominant record against the Canaries. PSG had won 22 of the previous 25 meetings before that match. Despite that anomaly, PSG has consistently found the net, scoring in 27 consecutive matches against Nantes, their longest such streak against any opponent.
PSG coach Luis Enrique acknowledged the challenge ahead, noting that his team remains "aware of the difficulties of a match in Nantes." He highlighted the motivation to become the first team in Europe's top five leagues to achieve a lengthy away unbeaten streak.
Managing playing time remains a focus for the PSG coach. He has rotated his squad significantly, including leaving out key players like Ousmane Dembele and Achraf Hakimi in recent matches, while integrating young talents like Senny Mayulu and Ibrahim Mbaye.
For the highly anticipated Nantes Vs Psg, PSG's confirmed starting lineup sees the return of Marquinhos and Nuno Mendes in defense, with Warren Zaire-Emery covering at right-back. Dembele and Lee Kang-in join Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the attack.
Nantes faces selection issues beyond the suspension of Coco. Goalkeeper Alban Lafont remains sidelined, along with Fabien Centonze, Francis Coquelin, Adel Mahamoud, and Sekou Doucoure. Injuries to Anthony Lopes and Sorba Thomas in their last match mean third-choice keeper Patrick Carlgren is expected to start in the match preview.
The outcome of this Nantes Vs Psg fixture is crucial for both clubs' season objectives. PSG seeks history, while Nantes desperately needs points to climb away from the drop zone.
Regarding his management of young players, Luis Enrique stated, "If they need a hug, I give it to them; if they need a telling-off, I give that too."
