This Sunday will see PSG, who continued in their saga for the Ligue 1 with a 3:0 win over Guingamp, host Toulouse, who earned a solid 1:0 victory over Montpellier. A PSG win at home is expected but can Toulouse pull a something out of the bag and produce the first major shock of Ligue 1?
Last weekend Neymar made his highly-anticipated debut for PSG after his 222 million euros move from Barcelona, and produced a performance as worthy of the price tag as it could have been. This Sunday, all of the world’s eyes will be on Neymar again as he will make his home debut in front of the PSG faithful at the Parc Des Princes.
PSG vs. Toulouse
3-Way: 1: PSG -667; X: +1408 Draw; 2: Toulouse +4725
Spread -2.5: PSG -120; Toulouse +121
Total +3.5: Over -111; Under +102
PSG
Neymar made his first appearance in a PSG shirt in style as he and his side swept Guingamp aside with a 3:0 win away from home. New poster-boy Neymar was involved in much of PSG’s play throughout the game, first putting in an early cross into the box which Marquinhos smashed against the crossbar with a header. Later, Neymar almost made it one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper as he skillfully got past his man, only to be “pulled back” and claim for a penalty; on replay it seemed as though the Brazilian went down far too easily. Despite a few golden opportunities, Paris Saint-Germain was unable to penetrate their opponents goal before half-time.
However, PSG didn’t have to wait too much longer as the deadlock was finally broken by an unbelievable own goal by Guingamp defender Jordan Ikoko, who attempted to back pass to his goalkeeper but instead passed it against his own post and into the back of the net with the keeper clambering to keep it out. Cavani then added a second with a curled side-foot finish around the opposition’s keeper’s hands, following a great through-ball pass from Neymar that put his teammate through. Twenty minutes later in the 82nd minute, Cavani returned the favor as he put the ball on a plate for Neymar, when he may have had a shot himself, capping off a wonderful debut with a simple finish high into the open net.
Throughout the game, and with a goal and assist to his name, Neymar offered a real focal point for Les Parisiens and looked like he has settled into life after Barcelona with ease. Cavani and Neymar are another big positive, as they seem to be forming a special partnership after they assisted each other. This sign of creativity will have delighted manager Unai Emery, who needs to add 24 goals from last season to catch-up with Monaco’s Ligue 1 winning total of 107 goals. Further delight will have been the team’s defensive duties, as they prevented their opponents from hitting a single shot on target.
There have been some big rumors surrounding another huge transfer that is looking increasingly likely to materialize, and that is Monaco’s starlet Kylian Mbappé. The 18-year old France international, who scored 27 goals in all competitions last year, will be as much of a loss for rivals Monaco as it will be a gain for PSG, an attack force of Cavani, Di Maria, Neymar, and Mbappé is mouth-watering; it begs the question of just how deep are these Qatari’s pockets?!
One confirmed transfer was midfielder Blaise Matuidi who has joined Juventus for 20 million euros. France International has been a great servant for PSG, making 295 appearances for the club over six seasons.
Unai Emery will have a full squad selection for Sunday’s match, including Lucas Moura who was out injured in the last game and it will be intriguing to see if he can demand a starting place.
Toulouse
Toulouse earned their first win of the league campaign as they beat Montpellier 1:0 at home. The home side had the lion-share of chances in the first half, with Andy Dolort coming close with a powerful low shot, forcing a save from the keeper and out for a corner. The resulting corner produced a penalty for Toulouse after Montpellier’s Pedro Mendes was penalized for pulling Ola Toivonen’s shirt, although in hindsight the decision was a little soft.
Toulouse was unable to close the game in the second half but managed to see the game out until the end without threat from Montpellier. A couple of chances did come their way, including another Andy Delort effort as he volleyed a cross forcing a good diving save from the keeper, and then a drilled free kick from Dolort forcing another save, but it wasn’t to be his day despite an imposing performance.
The result will have delighted manager Pascal Dupraz, although he would have wished for greater control of the match as they managed just 46% of possession on their home turf. This game also makes it nine of the last ten games where they have failed to score more than one goal, showing no sign of bettering last year’s tally of 37 in the league, and as a Wiseman named Thierry Henry once said, ”Sometimes in football, you have to score goals”.
Toulouse has made one recent signing who may help with the goal-scoring, left-winger Max Gradel who has come from Bournemouth on loan. Last time Gradel played in Ligue 1 was in the 2014/15 season for Saint Etienne, when he impressively scored 17 league goals.
Pascal Dupraz will be with a full squad for the match on Sunday.
PSG vs. Toulouse – MATCH PREDICTION
PSG has looked very impressive so far, with Neymar adding an ingredient that probably wasn’t missing. Their attack is so formidable, and usually end up with the ball for such lengths of time that it’s difficult for an inferior side to get a chance at all, but it will be interesting to see how PSG’s defense handles a situation where they are challenged throughout the game.
Toulouse, on the other hand, also has looked good and look set for a mid-table finish, they could push a bit higher with a couple of attacking additions, and as a result of their lack of attacking power I can’t see them scoring more than a goal past PSG, despite scoring two past Monaco. Saying that Toulouse doesn’t often concede too many either and PSG may have to be patient and wait for the right time to strike.
PSG will win, but I don’t think it will be a bloodbath, I would suggest going for a Toulouse AH -2.5.
MY PICK: Toulouse -2.5 AH (+121)
