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Preview: FC Nantes-Paris Saint-Germain
In a rescheduled Ligue 1 McDonald's match from earlier in the month, FC Nantes welcome Paris Saint-Germain. Already champions, the capital side will want to preserve their unbeaten run, but could find things tricky against Antoine Kombouaré's canny side.
A return for Lafont?
Alban Lafont has been a man apart for much of this season, since Nantes opted to bring in the veteran former Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes to replace him. Lopes has been a capably assured veteran presence in goal for Les Canaris, but he's presently struggling with a thigh injury and all indications are that Lafont will return to the starting eleven for the first time since the winter. Save the absence of Lopes, this side should have a familiar look to it, lining up in a 3-5-2, with Kelvin Amian playing on the right in place of the injured Marcus Coco.
Nantes are coming into this match off the back of a frustrating loss to derby rivals Stade Rennais, but did notch a draw in the reverse fixture in late November. More than this, Nantes are also in desperate need of points, sitting just three above the drop. There's also the small matter of history -- FC Nantes' 1994/1995 side were the last team to go so long in a season unbeaten -- 32 matches -- can Les Canaris get a measure of revenge to keep PSG from a record campaign?
✔︎ Le groupe convoqué face à Paris.
💼 @AMOS_School pic.twitter.com/H7ZVPUzzaX— FC Nantes (@FCNantes) April 21, 2025
Changes for the visitors
As for PSG, they are expected to rest the likes of Désiré Doué, Bradley Barcola, Acrhaf Hakimi and others, with an eye towards next midweek's Champions League semifinal. Still, though, this not a match that Luis Enrique will be taking lightly, as he underscored in his pre-match press conference, saying, "Tomorrow will be a difficult match... We're aware of the difficulties of a match in Nantes, in their stadium. Given their position in the standings, they'll be very motivated too. We haven't forgotten the draw at the Parc des Princes in the reverse fixture."
While Enrique may change his starting eleven, having the likes of two French internationals to come off the bench is an impressive luxury indeed, and it may just prove decisive tomorrow evening.
Predicted lineups:
FC Nantes (5-3-2): Lafont; Amian, Zéze, Castelletto, Pallois, Cozza; Chirivella, Lepenant, Augusto; Abline, Simon
Paris Saint-Germain (4-3-3): Safonov; Zaïre-Emery, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes (or Hernandez); Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz; Kang-In, Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia
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