Paris Saint-Germain are ready to kick-off the new Ligue 1 season as they are looking to become champions for a fifth consecutive time
The new Ligue 1 season kicks-off tomorrow with Paris SG looking for a first victory against Bastia
The new Ligue 1 season kicks-off in France with SC Bastia welcoming Paris Saint-Germain for the opening fixture.
Although Paris SG's supporters won’t be able to attend the game – the French government consider Friday night's fixture ‘a risk'.
But the Ligue 1 reigning champions should find it easy to win three points against a team that finished mid-table, last season.
Thiago Silva is expected to miss out with a hamstring injury, while fellow Brazillian defender Marquinhos is on Olympic duty.
This means we should see Presnel Kimpembe, who leads Paris SG’s latest wave of young talents, play alongside David Luiz.
Kimpembe, 20, featured in Saturday’s Champions’ Trophy final, which Paris SG won against rivals Lyon (4-1). New recruit Jese Rodriguez is expected to be on the bench.
In the meantime, with Paris SG's new boss Unai Emery loving a 4-2-3-1 formation, here is my prediction for their season's best starting XI.
Kevin Trapp:
A sure start for Paris SG. Trapp, 26, played 46 games, including 10 in the Champions League, last season – his first in France.
The German keeper proved to be solid on his line as he kept 19 clean sheets in 35 Ligue 1 appearance (54.3%) - the best goalkeeper for the 2015/16 Ligue 1 campaign.
Trapp played his first game of the season in last Saturday’s Champions’ Trophy final, which Paris SG won against rivals Lyon (4-1).
Marquinhos:
The 22-year-old Brazilian is one defender in Europe with a huge potential. He played 41 games last season, including six Champions League fixtures, and scored on two occasions.
Marquinhos should be a first choice at right-back, ahead of Serge Aurier, for Emery.
David Luiz:/Thiago Silva:
One incontestable defensive partnership, the two Brazilian will continue to lead Paris SG’s defence.
They played a combined number of 86 games last season, making Paris SG a serious contestant in Europe. Long may it continue for the pair.
Layvin Kurzawa:
The French left-back is proving to be a first-team regular. Kurzawa, 23, featured in last Saturday’s Champions’ Trophy final.
He assisted Pastore’s opener in the ninth minute and even scored in the second half.
Since his arrival from Monaco last season, he has been a solid defender and showed some interesting attacking threat on the wing.
He played a total of 26 games last season, scoring three goals, and can only improve this season.
Marco Verratti:
After a long road back from injury, Verratti played 25 minutes in last Saturday’s Champions’ Trophy final, and it was good to see him again on the pitch.
Once he will be match fit, there’s no doubt he will be a starter for Emery, as he signed a five-year contract extension last week – a huge boost for Paris SG.
Blaise Matuidi:
Paris SG’s chairman Nasser Al Khelaifi qualified Matuidi as “a pillar of the team’, this week. However, Manchester United and Chelsea are interested to sign the French midfielder before the transfer window shuts on August 31, at 11pm.
Matuidi, 29, is a key player for Paris SG and will start as many games, if not all, should he stay in France.
But if he opts for a new adventure in the Premier League, Thiago Motta should take his position.
Angel Di Maria
With 15 goals in 47 appearances last season, the Argentine can be trusted by his new manager, Emery.
After flopping at Manchester United, Di Maria found ground again in France and he showed a terrific level of football last season.
He should play a big part in Paris SG’s new look this season.
Hatem Ben Arfa:
He is back, ready to shine again. Ben Arfa will be a key player for Paris SG this season and he is looking to make a statement on the European stage.
He made his debut in last Saturday’s Champions’ Trophy final and didn’t miss to score 34 minutes into the first half. He is one to watch.
Lucas:
His name doesn’t often make the headlines but the quality of the young Brazilian is indisputable.
Lucas, 23, leads Paris SG’s right wing and is strength in Paris’ front line. He played an incredible number of 54 games last season, scoring 13 times, and appeared in last Saturday’s Champions’ Trophy final with a goal to his name.
No doubt he will make Emery’s starting XI this season.
Edinson Cavani and Jese:
The Uruguayan forward was third top scorer behind Zlatan and Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette last season, and there’s no doubt he will again be on Paris SG’s scoresheets.
However, new recruit Jese Rodriguez won’t wait long to make his debut in France and Cavani may have to share his scoring duty with him.
The other option could be an attacking partnership if Emery is willing to drop one midfielder.