Fixture: AS Monaco vs Paris Saint-Germain — Ligue 1
Date & kick-off: Saturday, 29 November 2025, at Stade Louis-II (match listed for 16:00 GMT / 17:00 CET). Sofascore
This clash in the south of France is more than just another fixture — PSG arrive top of the table with momentum from Europe, while Monaco are searching for consistency after mixed domestic form. Expect an intense midfield fight, quick transitions and set-piece moments to be decisive: both sides supply creative outlets and aerial threats that can turn a tight game on its head.
Latest team news — what matters
Monaco: Manager selection is hamstrung by suspension and injury. Denis Zakaria is suspended following his recent red card, which pushes Lamine Camara and Mamadou Coulibaly into more influential roles through the center of the park; Paul Pogba has been eased back into the squad after his long layoff and could feature from the bench. Monaco’s defensive group has also been hit by knocks to Eric Dier and Christian Mawissa, leaving the backline short of options. PSG Post+1
PSG: Luis Enrique has largely positive selection news but still manages a list of minor issues. The club confirmed its matchday squad with some absentees — Nuno Mendes has a small issue and is doubtful or ruled out depending on late checks, while Ousmane Dembélé has recently returned to training and featured as a substitute in midweek, giving PSG extra attacking depth off the bench. PSG’s recent Champions League firepower suggests the visitors will travel confident. Tribuna+1
Those availability notes change how both managers will approach midfield control and substitution patterns; Monaco must cover a missing defensive midfielder and patched centre-back slots, PSG benefit from greater squad depth even if one or two starters are unavailable.
Probable XIs (informed template)
Outlets publishing probable lineups this week converge on similar shapes — treat these as educated templates rather than confirmed teams (final sheets published ~60 minutes before kick-off):
Monaco (probable, 4-2-3-1): Hrádecký; Vanderson, Salisu, Kehrer, Caio Henrique; Camara, Coulibaly; Akliouche, Golovin, Minamino; Balogun. Sports Mole
PSG (probable, 4-3-3 / 4-2-3-1): Chevalier; Z.-Emery, Zabarnyi, Pacho, Hernández; Fabián Ruiz, Vitinha, Lee; Kvaratskhelia, Dembélé (or Barcola), (right wing). Sports Mole
Tactical tweaks are likely: Monaco may compact the midfield to protect a makeshift backline, while PSG can afford to press higher and rotate attackers to exploit gaps.
Tactical preview — how the match will be won
Monaco’s blueprint: With Zakaria suspended and defensive fitness uncertain, Monaco will probably prioritise structure. Expect a double pivot to screen the defence, rapid outlets to Akliouche and Minamino, and an emphasis on set pieces (where Monaco often find returns). Paul Pogba’s possible bench presence gives the option of late physical control if Monaco need to see out a narrow lead. PSG Post
PSG’s blueprint: Possession control, quick switches and vertical runs from the wings. PSG’s strength lies in their ability to create overloads between full-backs and centre-backs; even rotated, their attackers can punish a shallow defensive line. Expect Luis Enrique to exploit transitional moments and use his bench to change the tempo late in each half. Tribuna
Key tactical duel: Monaco’s double pivot (Camara/Coulibaly) vs PSG’s creative engine in midfield (Vitinha/Fabián Ruiz/Lee). Whoever wins second balls and controls the half-spaces will dominate chance creation.
Players to watch
Folarin Balogun (Monaco): The focal point of Monaco’s attack — his movement between defenders and link play with the No.10 will test PSG’s centre-backs. A clinical Balogun makes Monaco dangerous on the break. Reuters
Vitinha / Fabián Ruiz (PSG): Both are tempo controllers who can pick out through-balls or recycle possession to force openings. The midfield passer who finds the first vertical ball will create the best chances. Tribuna
Lamine Camara (Monaco): With Zakaria suspended, Camara’s energy and ball-recoveries will be vital to stop PSG’s midfield runners. PSG Post
Form & psychological edge
PSG enter with upward momentum after a statement Champions League result and sit top of the league in most trackers, making them favourites on paper; talkSPORT and other preview outlets tip PSG to win, noting Monaco’s recent defensive frailties and inconsistent domestic form. Monaco, though, play at Stade Louis-II where atmosphere and quick counter play have produced upsets — their best path to points is compact defending and punishing any PSG errors. TalkSport+1
Prediction & match script
This should be a tense, tactical first half. If PSG strike early, Monaco will be forced to open up and risk being exposed; if Monaco score first, PSG’s depth means they’ll likely probe, rotate and hunt the equaliser late. Given PSG’s squad quality and recent European form, a 1–2 PSG win is the most likely outcome on current evidence — but a 1–1 draw is well within reach if Monaco defend compactly and exploit set pieces. TalkSport+1
What to watch during the game
First 20 minutes: how Monaco handle PSG’s early pressing and whether PSG can find vertical passes into Balogun’s channels. Sports Mole
Set pieces: both sides have aerial threats — corners and indirect free kicks could decide a tight score. PSG Post
Substitutions after 60–65 minutes: coaches will use fresh legs to change tempo; Pogba (Monaco) or Dembélé/Barcola (PSG) could tilt the game.
