Paris Saint-Germain vs Monaco

January 27, 2017
By: Milos Markovic

Unai Emery’s newly reinforced PSG side will take on Monaco in the pick of the week in Ligue 1, looking to close the gap behind the in-form leaders, who are enjoying a rich vein of form this season in French championship.

Things Looking Up for PSG

Early-season inconsistency has cost Unai Emery’s side valuable points and Paris Saint-Germain are at the moment forced to chase after Nice and Monaco, who are leading the pack in Ligue 1. Paris Saint-Germain are sitting in third, three points behind their Sunday’s rivals and a potential win over Jardim’s men would not only boost the team’s morale, but it would put a fresh twist on the title race, which has not been this interesting for quite a while now. Having initially struggled to put their stamp on the season, PSG are currently enjoying a seven-match winning run without a single goal conceded and Emery’s men are feeling rather confident about their chances. PSG brought Julian Draxler this January, while the team has been boosted by the hot Benfica prospect Goncalo Guedes, who only came this week and the two players are expected to give an extra edge to PSG’s play.

Serge Aurier returned from Africa Cup of Nations duty and will be in contention, whereas Javier Pastore is unlikely to be risked after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Spanish forward Jese is under a doubt for the game, whereas Krychowiak is another confirmed absentee.

Can Monaco go the full distance?

Leonardo Jardim and his charges have been one of the most pleasant surprises this year in the league. Having invested great load of money a couple of years ago, Monaco have this season changed their approach as, instead of investing in expensive signings, they started investing in youth and player development and such an approach has been paying dividends this season. Monaco are leading the line in Ligue 1, they topped their UEFA Champions League group and things are going quite smoothly for the Principality club. Several players have enjoyed wuite a run this season at Monaco with Carillo, Germain and Lemar all standing at a 7-goal tally, but it was Colombia striker Radamel Falcao that surprised the most. Having struggled to prove his worth after a difficult knee injury and his poor spells in the Premier League, Falcao is back to business with 17 goals to his name thus far, a tally he hopes to improve this weekend.

Nabil Dirar and Adama Traore are out of contention due to their Africa Cup of Nations responsibilities, whereas Elderson is yet to reach full fitness after his injury and could be rested.

Verdict

One thing is for sure, we are in for a great game at Parc des Princes. PSG need to win in order to close the gap, whereas Monaco are also eyeing three points that would be of great importance in their title charge. A draw is on the cards the way we see it at the moment.

Top pick: Draw   4.10 (31/10) @BetVictor

Alternative pick 1: Monaco not to lose   2.25 (5/4) @Bet365

Alternative pick 2: Under 2.5 goals   2.25 (5/4) @WilliamHill

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