Big Game Focus: Paris St. Germain v Monaco

The Big Game Focus takes a look at the largest game of the day, giving you possible team line-ups, form and betting advice.

This weekend, we’ll be treated to a great duel between PSG and Monaco for the Trophée des Champions in Shenzhen, China. The two teams finished first and second place respectively in Ligue 1 last season and this match will help either one of them to stamp their authority before the new season kicks off. The title is normally contested between the Ligue 1 champion and the French Cup winner, but PSG took home both titles.

Will they be adding a new trophy in their cabinet this summer? Here’s our preview of the game.

Betting tips

Monaco have struggled in their pre-season so far, as they have lost two and drawn one in their last three games. They have not scored more than one goal in any of their last seven matches against PSG. Bet on Monaco Under 1.5 Goals at odds of 1.45 here.

There have been a total of 27 goals in the last six duels between PSG and Monaco, averaging 4.5 goals per game. The two clubs played for the Champions Trophy again last year, a match that PSG won 2-1.  Odds for Over 2.5 Goals are at 1.45 here.

The Parisians have won their last six matches against Monaco. Their last duel was a humiliating 7-1 demolition of the Stade Louis II side in April this year. A PSG win is valued at nice odds of 1.70 here.

Team news

New PSG boss Thomas Tuchel can count on Brazilian star Neymar, who will join the team on Wednesday. However, the team’s great French World Cup winners Alphonse Areola, Presnel Kimpembe and Kylian Mbappé will still be absent.

Monaco have a mini-injury crisis, with quite a number of players out of contention. Almamy Touré, Pietro Pellegri and Adama Traoré have not travelled with the team. Leonardo Jardim will also have to wait before he can call on the services of new signing Russian Aleksandr Golovin. Djibril Sidibé is a doubt.

Likely line-ups

Paris St. Germain: Trapp; Nsoki, Diarra, Rimane; Kurzawa, Rabiot, Verratti, Celso, Dagba; Di Maria, Neymar

Monaco: Benaglio; Barreca, Glik, Jemerson, Pierre-Gabriel; Grandsir, Navarro, Pele, Lopes, Tielemans; Baldé