New Paris Saint-Germain head coach Mauricio Pochettino will be under the spotlight on Wednesday evening as he takes charge of his first match since replacing Thomas Tuchel.
The Ligue 1 champions will travel to Stade Geoffroy-Guichard to take on Saint-Etienne and Pochettino, back in management after nearly 14 months away from the game, will be desperate to get off to a perfect start.
PSG are third in Ligue 1, a point behind joint-leaders Lyon and Lille, and Les Parisiens will be doing all they can to put the pressure on the top two.
New Era for PSG
Despite their 4-0 win over Strasbourg last time out, Tuchel was relieved of his duties over Christmas and PSG are now looking forward to a new era under Pochettino.
The former Tottenham boss guided Spurs to the 2019 Champions League final, losing out to Liverpool on that occasion, but he will be eager to deliver that trophy while at the Parc des Princes.
While PSG have not dominated like usual in Ligue 1, they are still in a fantastic position to defend their crown and they head into Wednesday’s tie on the back of a three-match unbeaten run – winning twice and drawing once.
Saint-Etienne have failed to beat PSG in their last 14 attempts in the league – the most recent success coming in 2012 – while Les Parisiens have kept a clean sheet in nine of their last 12 meetings.
A PSG win to nil is priced at a tempting 21/20.
Lyon Hoping to Extend Fantastic Run
Ligue 1 leaders Lyon welcome Lens to the Groupama Stadium on Wednesday night and they know they need to get the job done with Lille and PSG breathing down their necks.
Merry Christmas!
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— Olympique Lyonnais
(@OL_English) December 23, 2020
At the moment, goal difference keeps Lyon top but they will fancy their chances collecting another three points, given the fact they have won eight of their last ten matches against Lens in the league.
While Lyon should have enough in the locker to get the job done, that is not to say that Lens won’t be able to get on the scoresheet and they pose a big threat.
Sang et Or have won three of their last four on the road, scoring six goals in the process, and the 33/20 on offer for Lyon to win and both teams to score is appealing.
Montpellier can Leapfrog Marseille
Marseille and Montpellier clash at the Orange Velodrome this Wednesday and both teams have made strong starts to the campaign.
Marseille are fifth in the Ligue 1 table, just one point and three places better off than Montpellier, but the visitors could be worth backing to get something from this contest.
La Paillade are unbeaten in seven on the road and they have only lost one of their last five to Marseille. A win for Montpellier would see them climb above tonight’s opposition, but the double chance market looks the safe bet with the visitors 2/3 to draw or win.
*All odds correct at time of writing
