Ligue 1: Nice and Marseille lurking on Paris Saint-Germain’s shoulder
The first couple of rounds of Ligue 1 fixtures have made for fascinating viewing. Angers are the current pacesetters on goal difference, having accrued maximum points, including a 3-0 win over Lyon. Nevertheless, the picture could change this weekend, and we will preview two games — Brest v Paris Saint-Germain on Friday evening, and on Sunday, Nice host Marseille.
Paris Saint-Germain looking formidable after Strasbourg thrashing
While PSG flattered to deceive in their opening game of the season when they beat Troyes 2-1, they were certainly at the races against Strasbourg. New signing Lionel Messi watched on from the stands as PSG surged into a 3-0 lead inside the opening 27 minutes. Kylian Mbappe was a constant menace as he stretched the Strasbourg defence.
Although Strasbourg made life uneasy for PSG for part of the second half when they pulled back two goals, PSG sealed victory four minutes from time thanks to a Pablo Sarabia strike. Messi was presented to the fans before the game, and the fans will be desperate to see him take to the pitch soon.
Mauricio Pochettino hints at when Lionel Messi will make PSG debut
Messi’s arrival at the Parc des Princes reached feverish levels, but it seems that the Brest game may have come too soon for him. After his exploits with Argentina at the Copa del America over the summer, Messi is trying to get up to speed. Mauricio Pochettino said: “We want him to feel comfortable, so he can make his debut when he is fully fit.”
Brest developing reputation of draw specialists
While Brest may have been happy with a point in their opening Ligue 1 game away to Lyon, they followed that up with a 1-1 draw at home to Rennes. The stats seemed to show that Brest was happy to soak up the pressure. But, against PSG, they can’t afford to drop off too deep or else they will be picked apart.
Brest still searching for first win over PSG
Brest have been unable to crack the code of how to beat PSG. In 10 previous attempts, they have managed a solitary draw. Last season, Brest faced PSG three times, including a French Cup encounter, but lost all three games. The total aggregate score was 8-0, and they may need the rub of the green if they are going to chalk up a maiden victory.
Nice looking in fine fettle after Lille drubbing
Just on PSG’s coattails are Nice. Two games have yielded four points, and Nice are sitting fourth in Ligue 1. And last weekend, Nice were sensational as they routed the reigning champions Lille 4-0. Nice were quick off the mark, scoring inside the first minute thanks to Danish striker Kasper Dolberg.
Nice doubled their advantage four minutes later thanks to Hicham Boudaoui before Amine Gouiri made sure of the result on the stroke of half-time via the penalty spot. Dolberg applied the finishing touches in the second half, and the way they acquitted themselves was so impressive. Also, ex-Lille boss Christophe Galtier left his former employers in a spin with his side’s style of play.
Nice, along with Angers, and Clermont, are yet to concede a goal this term. Marseille will represent a tough game for Nice, although Marseille will want to forget last weekend’s game. Despite dominating possession, and taking a 2-0 lead against Bordeaux, Marseille had a man sent off, and they ended up drawing the game 2-2.
Will Nice convince Odsonne Edouard to join?
Nice are currently in the midst of a rebuild, and they are hoping to clinch a top-four spot this term. Celtic star Odsonne Edouard is thought to be on their radar, and recent reports have emerged suggesting Nice want to lure him from Celtic Park.
Brighton and Crystal Palace are also thought to be potential admirers, and Edouard has lit up the Scottish Premiership. Reports have suggested that Celtic are asking £20m for Edouard, and now it is a case of whether Nice are prepared to get the cheque book out to land the 23-year-old striker.
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