As the Parisians know, playing away to Strasbourg is never an easy task. The Alsatians have gone unbeaten at home since the start of the season, despite having welcomed Lens (21) and current league leaders Monaco (11). But despite their solid form at the Meinau, RCSA are struggling in the standings, sitting in 11th place – far below their ambitions. This is down to two consecutive defeats in recent weeks, away to Paris FC (2-1) and Nice (2-1). As they return to the Meinau, there is no doubt that the Blue and Whites will be keen to bounce back.
Paris Saint-Germain have been warned, and they too are in search of points. Sitting sixth in the standings after a slow start to the season, Les Rouge et Bleu are looking to build on their run of three consecutive Ligue 1 wins: against Brest (1-0), Marseille (2-1) and, most recently, Le Mans (3-1). But it looks set to be a tough task for the Parisians, who are fresh from an intense Champions League trip to face Manchester City (2–4) and set to return to European action just three days later.
12 – Racing Club de Strasbourg have picked up 12 points at home against teams in the top half of the Ligue 1 table this season; only Lyon and Marseille (13 each) have more.
13 – Paris Saint-Germain have scored in each of their last 13 away matches in Ligue 1, the longest current run in the top flight.
23 – Paris have scored at least one goal in each of their last 23 Ligue 1 matches against Strasbourg. The Alsatians’ last clean sheet against the capital club dates back to… May 2004.
In goals for Strasbourg, manager Hugo Oliveira will naturally be relying on Filip Jørgensen. The Danish international could even be handed the captain’s armband against the Parisians, in the absence of Ismaël Doukouré in defence. Karim Coulibaly is expected to step in and form the central defensive partnership alongside Jeyland Mitchell. Having arrived this summer from Sturm Graz, the Costa Rican international has quickly established himself in the Alsatian starting XI, even relegating Lucas Høgsberg to the bench.
At right-back, youngster Genesis Antwi (19) has the run of the field. On loan from Chelsea to fill the void left by Guéla Doué’s departure, the Swedish U21 international will start against Les Rouge et Bleu, as will Oso on the opposite flank. Signed from Sevilla FC during the previous summer transfer window, the Spanish full-back has been chosen ahead of Mateo Del Blanco. As for the midfield, competition is in full swing. Having come off the bench in his side’s last match, Samir El Mourabet is expected to regain his place in the starting line-up against the capital club.
Alongside the Moroccan international, several options stand out, starting with Diogo Sousa. But another Portuguese youth international could also be in contention to start the match: Dário Essugo. Also on loan from Chelsea, the defensive midfielder, who came through the ranks at Sporting CP, is a plausible option, as is Pape Demba Diop. Only Maxi Oyedele therefore seems to have faded from contention, whilst Giovanni Reyna is the favourite to regain a starting place as a playmaker. However, it remains to be confirmed whether the American international, who made his name at Borussia Dortmund, will be in the starting line-up, as he has a distinctly more attacking profile.
Up front, Gessime Yassine is making great strides. The Moroccan international will be one of the players to watch for the Alsatian side, as will Samuel Amo-Ameyaw. The England U21 international is likely to benefit from Sebastian Nanasi’s absence and thus take up a position on the right wing for Racing, with Yassine shifting to the left, where Martial Godo will once again be missing from the line-up. Finally, at centre-forward, will it be Conrad Harder or Jacobo Ortega who starts? One thing is certain: both strikers will take to the pitch at the Meinau this Saturday afternoon, and both will be favoured over Sékou Mara.
