2016/17 champions face league leaders in capital
The first edition of this matchup takes place at the Parc des Princes on Sunday evening, before Thomas Tuchel’s Paris Saint-Germain travel to Monacofor the reverse fixture on Wednesday. Seems bizarre that two teams should play both their head-to-heads for the domestic season back to back, but that is the task that lies ahead of Robert Moreno in just his second and third games in charge of the 2016/17 Ligue 1 champions, they are the only side in fact to win the crown other than PSG in the last seven seasons.
Recent form
PSG have scored four or more goals in their last six on the bounce, averaging 2.67 strikes in front of their home fans in the league. Seven of their last eight league home wins have been by two or more goals.
Monaco are on a four-game unbeaten run, winning thrice during that period to which they have gradually rose up the table. Although they have struggled for penetration away from home, averaging just 0.78 finishes per trip.
The two top scorers in the league will be on the show in this one, Kylian Mbappe has 11 and Wissam Ben Yedder has 13 for the season, being his sides most valuable player. The former has found the net in eight consecutive matches and the table toppers have scored first inside 20 minutes in four of their last five home fixtures.
Robert Moreno
The 42-year-old Spaniard has earnt his shot at the big time without a professional playing career, having worked with youth teams and importantly as an assistant manager at Roma, Celta Vigo, Barcelona and Spain. Before stepping in as national team manager in the short absence of Luis Enrique. He was put in place on December 28, following the second sacking of Leonardo Jardim at Monaco in the space of a year. Despite the Portuguese winning three of his last four league games in charge, including battering Lille5-1 at home in his last match at the helm.
Over the winter break however the board took the decision to make the change and Morenocertainly has a lot to prove as a main man. He must hit the ground running coming in after a manager that brought AS Monaco such success in the past.
Wissam Ben Yedder
The 29-year-old goal machine joined Monaco in the summer amidst plenty of options after banging in 30 goals for Sevilla in 2018/19. With Euro 2020around the corner Ben Yedder is sure to get on the plane at this rate having started exactly where he left off in La Liga. His 13 goals in 16 league appearances has dragged the sleeping giants towards the right end of the table, in sight of the European places now in seventh.
PSG’s star-studded attack and home form will spell danger for the visitors, buoyed by a 6-1 win last time out Tuchel’s men will be ruthless once again in this one.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
An inspired display from Monaco saw them push PSG all the way and come away with a well earned point. 3-3.