PSG vs Saint-Etienne

After capturing the Trophee des Champions last Sunday, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) will look to carry their success into their Ligue 1 campaign as they host Saint-Etienne at the Parc des Princes this weekend. The French champions, who secured the domestic double in the 2023-24 season, earned their latest silverware by defeating Monaco, last season's Ligue 1 runners-up, in the French Super Cup. This victory marked their 11th triumph in the competition over the past 12 years, showcasing their continued dominance in French football.

The win against Monaco was sealed in dramatic fashion with a stoppage-time strike from Ousmane Dembele, giving PSG a narrow 1-0 victory. This result not only claimed the Trophee des Champions but also reinforced their status as the team to beat in French football, as they now hold every domestic trophy available to them. Despite early calls for caution in predicting whether PSG can maintain such dominance throughout the season, their form suggests that they are more than capable of maintaining their perch at the top of French football.

Under the leadership of Luis Enrique, PSG have shown no signs of fatigue despite the pressures of multiple competitions. The team is firmly placed at the top of both domestic leagues, ready to continue their campaign in both Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France. Their performance leading up to the Trophee des Champions victory had already showcased their ability to handle high-pressure situations. In their most recent Coupe de France outing, PSG overcame Lens in a penalty shootout after drawing 1-1 in regulation time. The resilience they displayed in these contests bodes well for the remainder of the season.

In Ligue 1, the Parisians currently top the standings as the only team yet to suffer defeat this campaign. They sit comfortably ahead of second-placed Marseille, with a seven-point lead over their closest rivals. With 12 wins and four draws from 16 matches, PSG have racked up a total of 40 points, a solid performance that underlines their consistency at the top of the league. Their most recent league victory came on December 18, 2024, when they secured a 4-2 win away to Monaco. This victory ensured they maintained their hold on the league's summit and reaffirmed their status as the team to beat in France.

Next on their schedule is a fixture against Saint-Etienne, a club they have historically enjoyed a strong record against. With 43 victories in 81 meetings in Ligue 1, PSG’s head-to-head record against Saint-Etienne is impressive, with only Metz (46 wins) and Nantes (44 wins) having been beaten more times by the Parisians. The match promises to be an intriguing test for PSG, as they look to continue their perfect start to 2025 and extend their lead at the top of Ligue 1.

However, the visitors, Saint-Etienne, will not be easily intimidated. The Greens, now under the management of Eirik Horneland, will hope that their new managerial appointment can spark a much-needed turnaround in their season. Horneland, who was appointed on December 20, 2024, following the dismissal of former coach Olivier Dall'Oglio, made an immediate impact in his first game in charge. A 3-1 victory over Reims in his managerial debut lifted the spirits of the squad and ended a four-match losing streak in all competitions. The result also proved crucial in helping Saint-Etienne escape the relegation zone, as they moved up to 15th in the league, just one point ahead of 16th-placed Nantes.

Despite their improved form under Horneland, Saint-Etienne's position in the league is still precarious, and they are far from safe in their bid to avoid relegation. With just 16 points from 16 matches, they are still at risk of falling into the bottom three, especially given their poor form in away fixtures this season. The team has struggled on the road, suffering seven defeats and managing only one draw from their eight away matches. This makes them one of the weakest away teams in Ligue 1, with only Angers having accumulated fewer points on the road.

Saint-Etienne will be hoping that their recent managerial change can give them a boost, particularly as they head into a daunting fixture at the Parc des Princes. PSG's form in their opening league match of the calendar year is not as flawless as their overall season might suggest. In fact, the Parisians have struggled in their first matches of the new year in recent seasons, failing to win three of their last four such encounters. This statistic offers a glimmer of hope for Saint-Etienne, who will likely rely on their newfound momentum to challenge PSG in this match.

Nevertheless, despite Saint-Etienne's hopes for an upset, their away form leaves little room for optimism. Their struggles on the road have been well documented, and it is difficult to see how they can mount a serious challenge against one of the most dominant teams in European football, especially given PSG's impressive record at the Parc des Princes this season. The Parisians have won seven of their eight home games in Ligue 1, establishing their stadium as a fortress that has proven difficult for visiting teams to breach. With the attacking prowess of players like Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, and Dembele, PSG are well-equipped to break down any defensive resistance that Saint-Etienne may offer.

The upcoming match promises to be a test of resilience for both teams. For PSG, it is another opportunity to assert their dominance in the domestic league, while for Saint-Etienne, it represents a chance to build on their recent positive result and continue their fight against relegation. While Saint-Etienne's new manager bounce could provide a temporary lift, they will need to address their poor away form if they are to stand a chance against a PSG side that is firing on all cylinders.

Looking beyond this match, PSG will be focused on maintaining their lead at the top of the table while continuing to challenge for all available trophies. With the Trophee des Champions now in their trophy cabinet, the team will look to push on and secure further success in Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and the UEFA Champions League. Under Luis Enrique's guidance, the club has developed a well-balanced team with the attacking firepower to compete at the highest level. The squad's depth and versatility have been key to their impressive performances across multiple competitions, and they will be looking to build on their early season form.

Saint-Etienne, meanwhile, will hope that their new manager can lead them to safety in Ligue 1. The relegation battle is always tight, and they will need to accumulate points from every available opportunity. Their away form remains a significant concern, but the victory over Reims under Horneland’s stewardship shows that there is potential for improvement. The Greens will need to show resilience and determination as they aim to avoid the drop, with a challenging match against PSG serving as a litmus test for their progress under the new manager.

In conclusion, Paris Saint-Germain go into this match as strong favorites, given their dominant form this season and their historical success against Saint-Etienne. However, the Greens will be hoping that their recent change in management can provide the spark they need to cause an upset at the Parc des Princes. For PSG, it is another opportunity to further cement their dominance in French football, while for Saint-Etienne, it is a critical match in their fight for survival in Ligue 1.