Prediction: PSG vs Monaco

Prediction: PSG to win

Best Odds: 8/13

Bookmaker: bet365

International football has been put on the backburner once again, as domestic football takes centre stage for the next nine months. Many divisions across Europe and beyond are preparing to begin their new seasons, which includes the French – and Ligue 1 will likely have more eyes on it than ever before in the wake of Les Bleus’ World Cup triumph in Russia. In terms of the curtain raiser, though, it’ll be down to Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco to entertain the masses in the French Super Cup.

PSG

PSG have certainly had an uneven start to proceedings throughout pre-season, and whilst they may be far and away the best team in French football, you have to question how long they can maintain this kind of consistency. One of their main goals has always been to step it up a notch and challenge for Champions League glory when in reality, they should probably be more focused on consolidating their position as Ligue 1 champions. If they hit their top form then they could be unstoppable, but it’ll be interesting to see whether or not they’ve still got that fire in them.

Team News

Edinson Cavani is out through injury whereas Kylian Mbappe is still enjoying his holiday after France’s World Cup final win. Neymar, though, is expected to return to the squad as he attempts to prove his many doubters wrong.

Monaco

Monaco are starting to put together a squad that’s more than capable of pushing PSG all the way in Ligue 1, and this game serves as a huge opportunity for them to send a major statement to the reigning champions. They’ve got a strong defensive core, they’re great going forward, and one of the only real issues they’ll have is ensuring that they don’t show PSG too much respect. If they can push them back from the word go in this game, then we could be in for a surprise masterclass from the underdogs.

Team News

Radamel Falcao, Djibril Sidibe and Danijel Subasic are all out due to receiving extended break periods, with Almamy Toure’s injury making this a very sparse Monaco team.

Factors to Consider

• The game will be taking place in Shenzhen, China as opposed to France.
• PSG defeated Monaco 2-1 in last year’s edition of the showcase match.
• Monaco finished second in Ligue 1 last season with 80 points.
• PSG won Ligue 1 last season with 93 points.
• Monaco scored 85 goals in the league last season, whereas PSG scored 108.

Conclusion

PSG and Monaco are two of the most storied foes in French football and as the years go on, we can only see their rivalry going from strength to strength. In terms of this game, however, we can see it being a nervy affair in the first 15-20 minutes or so before some kind of error opens the door for a much more free-flowing game. In terms of an official prediction, we’re going to go with Monaco taking the lead early on before the reigning champions stretch their legs and run out 3-1 winners.

Prediction: PSG to win

Best Odds: 8/13

Bookmaker: bet365