After a series of tough opponents, Paris Saint-Germain finally face a slightly less daunting challenge. However, Angers shouldn’t be underestimated, as the Ligue 1 newcomers recently defeated AS Monaco, who were trailing PSG.
Following their Le Classique derby victory over Marseille (3:0), PSG won more narrowly against seventh-placed Lens (1:0). Earlier this week, they fell to Atlético Madrid in the Champions League (2:1), with the Spaniards clinching victory in the final attack. In both encounters, PSG squandered numerous opportunities: an xG of 2.88 against Lens and 2.12 against Atlético Madrid.
In the previous round, Angers punished AS Monaco for their poor finishing (1.39 xGA), and it took a long-range strike from Jean-Eudes Aholou, translating to 0.46 xG, to secure the win. The hosts rarely hit the target (3), and when they did, Yahia Fofana displayed impressive reflexes. Praise is due for Angers, but it may not be wise to overstate their performance. Despite losing just once in their last seven matches (against Reims 1:3), they've also managed only two wins. Before AS Monaco, they edged out a victory over Saint-Étienne, who's languishing at the bottom of the table.
Angers will put up a fight against the champions, but the class difference remains, unaffected even by PSG's midweek match. The Parisians have won their last 16 meetings with Angers. Given their recent matches, Paris Saint-Germain should create plenty of chances. Therefore, we’ll bet on PSG with a handicap.