Sunday 31/09/2014, 20:00, France Ligue 1, Round 4, PSG vs St Etienne
PSG vs St Etienne Preview
PSG is expected to win the championship once again and despite the small setback, they are clearly on the right track. The fact that they only won once in three games is a bit frustrating, but the points can be recuperated in September. Meanwhile, they need to finish August on a high note by claiming all three points against St Etienne, one of the counter candidates for the French Ligue 1 title.
PSG vs St Etienne Odds
PSG 1.50, Draw 3.80, St Etienne 6.80
PSG vs St Etienne Tips
Following the 2-2 in the opening round, PSG was far more clinical against Bastia and once again scored twice without allowing a goal. That victory came at a price though, because Ibrahimovic suffered an injury in the first quarter of the match and was replaced by Lavezzi. He didn't play in the scoreless draw at Evian and will not participate tonight either, which is not exactly great news for the hosts.
Without their most prolific scorer, PSG will need to look elsewhere for solutions and Lavezzi will be given another chance to start from the first minute. The Swedish striker is not the only absentee, with Brazilian Thiago Silva and Wiel being also injured, while Cabaye is serving a one-game suspension.
St Etienne is one of the outsiders when it comes to winning the championship, but they are fighting for a Champions League berth and shouldn't be underestimated. They have a great defensive and the best proof is that they only allowed two goals in the last six games and lost a single match in Europa League.
Much to their credit, they won the second leg and advanced to the group stage by winning the penalty shootout, so they can now focus exclusively at the task at hand. Winning in Paris would mean a great deal for St Etienne, but they won't take any unnecessary chances. A single striker will spearhead the offensive and Monnet-Paquet will be right behind him, with the offensive midfielder being in superb form.
Key Facts
- The visitors are at full strength and can field the best starting formation, while PSG misses 4 key players.
- In the last three games played in Paris, PSG won once, drew another game and lost one to St Etienne
PSG vs St Etienne Prediction
Under normal circumstances, PSG would be a huge favorite to prevail and even odds of 1.50 would be easy to justify. With Ibrahimovic unfit to play and St Etienne being extremely effective in their own half, value is obviously with the visiting team. Punters should take the cover of the 0:1 Asian handicap, which returns the stakes if the hosts win by exactly one goal.
Bet: St Etienne +1.00 goals @ 2.00 with Pinnacle Sports
