PSG to make a statement on Ligue 1 opening weekend

With the Neymar Jr mist overhanging the Parc des Princes, the spotlight is finally truly on the committed Paris Saint-Germain squad, and with a strong performance in the Super Cup last Saturday in coming from behind to beat Rennes 2-1, they will be confident of dominating Nimes who were below par on the road last term. The Ligue 1 newcomers achieved a respectable ninth-placed finish last time around but a lot of that being down to a solid home record. Unbeaten at home last season, the French champions will want to make a statement in their opening match.

Recent form

PSG have won without conceding in their last four opening weekend games and were victorious in all but two of their 19 home fixtures in 2018/19. Although Nimes reached ninth last season their away record left a lot to be desired, losing seven of the last 10 and shipping two goals per trip on average. Over 70% of the goals they conceded in defeat on the road came in the second half, expect PSG’s pace and power from the bench to exploit that on Sunday evening. Tuchel’s star man Kylian Mbappe scored three goals in his two matchups with Nimes last campaign and it could be a goal-fest this time around, with almost 75% of Nimes’ away matches bringing over 2.5 goals last term.

Transfer business

Thomas Tuchel’s side have been busy in the market such that we are much accustomed to by now. Their four main investments being three to bolster their midfield options and one to strengthen their defensive contingent. Abdou Diallo was brought in after an impressive season with Bundesliga runners-up Borussia Dortmund for an initial £28.8million, Ander Herrera joined from Manchester United on a free having ran down his contract at Old Trafford, Pablo Sarabia from Sevilla for £27million and recent Africa Cup of Nations finalist Idrissa Gueye from Everton for £27million upfront. Nimes on the other hand have added some midfield reinforcements of their own from the second tiers in France and Germany respectively.

A point to prove

The Parisians have been quite reserved in the window given their recent past, with smarter and cheaper deals being done, certainly purchasing players with hunger to succeed at levels they have not played at before. This would be the case for the likes of Gueye and Sarabia who have the chance to win a league title such that they have not enjoyed for a long time. There is also pressure on the German coach with yet another failure in the Champions League last season, winning the league is a must for a club that size who operate on a far higher wage structure than the rest of the sides in Ligue 1.

A straightforward win for the champions, with Mbappe demonstrating he is ready to pick up Neymar’s possible deserted mantle and kick on to another impressive title winning season.

PSG – Nimes Betting Tip

PSG to Win + PSG to Score Over 2.5 goals with Bet365 at odds of 13/20.

Bet PSG to Win + PSG to Score Over 2.5 goals on Bet365