This Sunday will see Guingamp, who registered an impressive win over Metz, play host at the Stade de Roudourou to PSG, who earned a humble 2:0 win against Caen. Guingamp will be looking for at least another mid-table position after last season’s 10th place finish, while PSG will be looking to reclaim the Ligue 1 title after missing out last season for the first time in three seasons to Monaco.
All things said, the story of the game and perhaps the weekend, and maybe even the feature of world football’s week, will be the highly-anticipated debut of Neymar after his €222 million move to Paris. However, the appearance of the Brazilian superstar is no certainty…
Guingamp vs. PSG
3-Way: 1: Guingamp +1400; X: +533 Draw; 2: PSG -345
Spread +1.5: Guingamp +121; PSG -121
Total +3: Over -112; Under +104
Guingamp
The two-time Coupe de France winners kicked-off the new Ligue 1 season in positive fashion as they swept past opponents FC Metz with a 3:1 score-line. Poor marking and tracking saw Guingamp go behind but recovered well after a clear penalty was scored by Ligue 1 veteran Jimmy Briand, who netted 12 league goals last season, after it was awarded from a terrible challenge from behind on winger Marcus Coco by Metz defender Milan Bisevac, who was lucky to get away with just a yellow card.
It took until the 70th minute to add a second through substitute Ludovic Blas following a superb flowing counter-attack and with a clinical side foot finish into the top left corner of the net. The win was completed by substitute Moustapha Diallo after he finished a beautifully lofted through ball from goal scorer Ludovic Blas.
Manager Antoine Kombouaré will be ecstatic with his team’s performance and the three points, especially when you consider who their next opponents will be. Kombouaré will look at the three goals scored in particular, and with just three shots on target the efficiency of their attacking play will be very pleasing indeed. The result will also help fans believe in life after Fernando Marçal after his loan from Benfica ended, as he created an impressive 54 chances and 7 assists last season. The manager will also look to their last home tie versus PSG for inspiration, as a tactical master class saw Guingamp overcome PSG 2:1.
There has been no major transfer activity recently for Guingamp, although the last 10 days have seen left-back Franck Tabanou come in on a free transfer from Swansea, while goalkeeper Romain Salin has left to Sporting CP also on a free transfer.
Antoine Kombouaré will have a full squad roster for Sunday’s game.
PSG
Les Parisiens won 2:0 at home convincingly against relegation candidates Amiens SC, but they could have easily scored more as they dominated through the ninety minutes. Edinson Cavani scored the first goal with a touch and finish after he was found from a fantastic cross by new signing Dani Alves. Despite a host of chances and a barrage of attacks, PSG put just one more past their opposition after a through ball from playmaker Marco Veratti let Cavani in behind the defense, which he then went to put on a plate for Argentinean attacker Javier Pastore, who will be relieved to be on the scoresheet after not scoring in Ligue 1 since March 13th in a 9:0 victory over Troyes.
At times, PSG were wasteful and manager Unai Emery will wonder if this will be a running theme throughout their Ligue 1 season, although their finishing will likely improve after the machine has been well-oiled, and it must be considered that if you have creators like Marco Veratti, Adrien Rabiot and Javier Pastore in your team making umpteen chances a game, does it really matter if they don’t score every time? Saying that, an average win over a poor side didn’t really tell us much about this PSG team, and we should get a better idea of their performance levels following their game with Guingamp, especially if Neymar makes his debut.
Which brings us to the topic of Neymar, who could make his eagerly awaited debut in Sunday’s game after a world-record €222 million transfer from Barcelona. Whether the motives for this mammoth move were money, a new challenge or to become the best player in the world is up for debate, but one thing is undeniable and that is his pure world-class talent. Over his 4 seasons at Barcelona the Brazilian scored 105 goals and created 89 chances last season alone; just imagine what he could do in French football.
Well, actually, we don’t have to imagine, as Sunday will see many dreams come true when Neymar steps out onto the pitch in a PSG shirt. Or will he? Doubts over the champions league medalist’s availability have emerged as reports say there may still be obstacles to overcome concerning the money transfers for the Neymar deal, begging the question that is if he will make his debut this Sunday after all.
Unai Emery will have a full squad selection for Sunday’s match.
Guingamp vs. PSG- MATCH PREDICTION
With or without Neymar, PSG should come through as the victor against an average Ligue 1 side in Guingamp. We may start to see the attacking force start to click and show the world that they are ready to mount a European challenge, not just a domestic challenge. Add Neymar to the mix and we may see fireworks, literally. To further ease PSG fan’s stomachs, they only need to take a look at their last fixture against Guingamp which saw PSG cruise through to a 4:0 victory.
Saying that, Guingamp played well last weekend and will force PSG to remain diligent in defense. Furthermore, it would be foolish to say Guingamp have absolutely no chance, especially when looking at previous encounters between the two sides. An early goal from the home side and the outlook of the game could see a complete change.
I would suggest going for a comfortable PSG win, but I believe Guingamp could offer a scare or two, so also betting on a high-scoring game wouldn’t be a bad punt.
MY PICK: PSG AH +1.5 (-122)
Additional Pick: Over 3 goals (+104)
