Christophe Galtier’s team wrapped up their 11th top-flight crown in a 1-1 draw with Strasbourg last weekend, while their visitors are certain of a top-half finish in a campaign that has exceeded all expectations.
Team News
Paris St Germain
- Plenty of thoughts will be spared for PSG’s backup goalkeeper Sergio Rico this week, as the Spaniard remains in a “serious” condition in intensive care after sustaining a head injury during a horse riding accident.
- Galtier will also be without his other known absentees in Neymar (ankle), Nordi Mukiele (hamstring), Nuno Mendes (thigh) and Presnel Kimpembe (Achilles), while Fabian Ruiz remains in the treatment room due to an adductor concern, which also forced Marquinhos to sit out their title-winning draw last weekend.
- Whether Marquinhos can battle back from his problem in time for Saturday remains to be seen – the same goes for Hugo Ekitike and his tight hamstring – but Achraf Hakimi is back from a ban and should demote Warren Zaire-Emery to the bench.
Clermont
- In contrast, Clermont’s medical team already have their feet up, as Gastien’s team have no injury concerns to report whatsoever for their final game of the season.
- Straight after saving a penalty for the fourth time this season – thwarting Ibrahima Kone from 12 yards last weekend – Clermont goalkeeper Mory Diaw sparked the attack that led to Khaoui’s opener, and the 29-year-old will line up against his old club here, having spent eight years in the PSG academy between 2007 and 2015.
Possible Lineup
Paris Saint-Germain: Donnarumma; Pereira, Ramos, Bitshiabu; Hakimi, Vitinha, Verratti, Bernat; Messi, Ekitike, Mbappe
Clermont: Diaw; Wieteska, Caufriez, Seidu; Zeffane, Gastien, Gonalons, Borges; Khaoui, Maurer; Kyei
Prediction Analysis
While Clermont command plenty of respect from their title-winning hosts, Gastien’s side realistically only have pride to play for, and recent shortcomings on their travels will do them no favours whatsoever.
PSG’s depleted defence is hardly impenetrable on the Parc des Princes turf, but in what will likely be the farewell match of Galtier, Messi and others, the champions should grind out a professional win to give their departing contingent the perfect send-off.
Our prediction is Paris St Germain 3-1 Clermont