After finishing top of the UEFA Conference League table last December, Racing is once again in contention to qualify for the European places. Currently seventh in Ligue 1 with 30 points, Strasbourg are back to their best after a difficult autumn on the domestic scene. RCSA are unbeaten in their last eight matches in all competitions and have won their last two league games: against Metz in the derby (2-1) and then at Lille last week (1-4).
Paris Saint-Germain, meanwhile, are going through a more mixed period. Held to a draw by Newcastle in midweek (1-1), Les Rouge et Bleu nevertheless remain on a five-match winning streak in the French top flight, the latest victories coming against Lille (3-0) and Auxerre (0-1). Following their trip to Yonne, the capital club regained the league lead, moving two points ahead of their closest rivals, Lens.
3 – Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace has won its last three home matches in all competitions, and has not done better since September to November 2019, when they won four in a row.
303 – Vitinha has made 303 passes breaking opposition lines in the top flight this season, 111 more than any other player (192 for Moussa Niakhaté, second).
53 – Strasbourg have lost 53% of their matches against Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1 history (36/68), more than against any other team.
In goal, Gary O'Neil will rely on his last line of defence, Mike Penders. The goalkeeper, on loan from Chelsea, is expected to be accompanied in front of him by French youth international Ismaël Doukouré, who has become one of the key players in Strasbourg's starting eleven. Alongside him, recent African champion Mamadou Sarr is expected to start. Despite his young age (20), the defender, who emerged from the Olympique Lyonnais academy, has been confirmed in his role as captain by the new Alsatian coach.
Guela Doué, who continues to perform well at right-back, is expected to start against Paris, as is Ben Chilwell on the opposite flank, with the England international having settled in perfectly with the Bleu et Blanc. In midfield, Racing will have to cope with a significant absence: that of Valentín Barco. To fill the void left by the Argentine international, Portuguese U21 international Rafael Luís could be promoted to the starting line-up.
If this option is confirmed, he would play alongside Samir El Mourabet, who has now established himself in the Alsatian midfield. One step higher, Julio Enciso (6 goals and 3 assists in all competitions this season) is also in great form. The former Brighton playmaker is expected to spearhead Strasbourg's attacks, and he will be able to rely on the excellent form of Martial Godo (9 goals, 4 assists) on his left.
As for the right flank, it should unsurprisingly be occupied by Belgian international Diego Moreira (3 goals, 6 assists), which would mean Sebastian Nanasi, Abdoul Ouattara and Samuel Amo-Ameyaw starting the match on the bench. These three attacking players are likely to make an appearance during the match against Les Rouge et Bleu, as is Emmanuel Emegha (7 goals, 2 assists), who is returning from injury. Certainly not ready to start, the Dutch international is likely to be replaced by the outstanding Joaquín Panichelli (13 goals, 3 assists).