Preview: PSG welcome Nantes
A tactical shift for Les Canaris
On the back of four losses in a row in the league, including a frustrating 2-0 loss to fellow relegation strugglers Le Havre last weekend, as response has been needed for Antoine Kombouaré's side. To that end, there has been some suggestion that the team could engage a tactical shift to keep the leaders at bay. Having seen how a massed defence with five at the back can limit the leaders (cf. their draw against OGC Nice earlier in the season), the veteran manager is expected to do the same here, lining up a trio of centre backs that includes the canny veteran Nicolas Pallois as well as Nathan Zézé and Jean-Charles Castelletto.
Speaking ahead of the match, Kombouaré underscored that pragmatism would rule the day for his side, saying, "We're not saying we're going to win there, but we're going to show some restraint, to keep it 0-0 as long as possible, and you never know in football." That ethos has served Kombouaré well -- despite the disparate resources between the two clubs, he's led his side to wins in two of the five times they've squared off, and could yet have his side geed up for a third.
Donnarumma back in the fold?
As for the hosts, they remain clear favorites, but not without some questions, not least owing to Luis Enrique's decision to drop Gianluigi Donnarumma on Tuesday, a move that backfired as Matvey Safonov's error led to Bayern Munich scoring the only goal of the match. Said manager Luis Enrique of his decision, "With Bayern's pressing, I felt that Safonov was the best player to withstand the pressure and generate and advantage with his first touch."
After Safonov's mistake, the Italian is expected to be back in goal, but one has to wonder if Enrique's choice will have frustrated both men. Elsewhere in the side, more rotation is expected, with Désiré Doué expected to feature from the off as well -- a rare occurrence since the youngster's big-money move from Stade Rennais this summer. Gonçalo Ramos, fit again of late, could also be in the mix as Enrique looks to shake up his attack following their having been held in the week.
Predicted lineups:
PSG (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho (or Skriniar), Beraldo; Zaïre-Emery, Vithina, Doué; Lee, Ramos (or Asensio), Barcola
FC Nantes (5-3-2): Lafont; Coco, Castelletto, Zézé, Pallois, Cozza; Chirivella, Augusto, Lepenant; Abline, Simon
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