Published: 12 hours ago

PSG vs OGC Nice: Preview and Prediction

PSG will hope to pull away in the Ligue 1 standings when they welcome OGC Nice to Parc des Princes on Saturday.

A high-profile Ligue 1 clash awaits at the Parc des Princes this Saturday, as PSG host OGC Nice on Matchday 11 of the 2025/26 season. The reigning champions remain top of the table, though only on goal difference, while Nice are quietly climbing the standings and arrive in Paris full of confidence after a string of impressive results.

Despite maintaining their position at the summit, Luis Enrique’s PSG were left frustrated in midweek after a 1-1 draw with Lorient, a result that exposed their occasional struggles in front of goal. The Parisians had scored 13 goals in their previous three competitive matches, but they failed to convert several gilt-edged chances against Lorient, netting from just one of seven shots on target.

Even so, PSG’s form at the Parc des Princes remains formidable. The champions have scored 12 goals in their last five home fixtures while conceding one goal or fewer in their past five Ligue 1 matches on home soil, keeping three clean sheets in four this season.

Enrique’s men have shown remarkable consistency in domestic play, losing just once all campaign, and their record in November is exceptional, PSG are unbeaten in their last 12 Ligue 1 matches in the month, a run that dates back to 2020. They have not suffered a home defeat in November since Rennes’ 2-1 win in 2012, a statistic that underscores their dominance during this part of the season.

However, the Spaniard will demand sharper finishing and greater focus in transition. PSG’s creative depth remains unmatched in France, but a team of this calibre will expect nothing less than a convincing win in front of their home fans.

Franck Haise’s Nice side have quietly been one of Ligue 1’s most consistent performers in recent weeks. Les Aiglons are unbeaten in their last five league matches, winning their previous three, and their recent 2-0 victory over Lille reflected a side that has found balance between defensive solidity and attacking efficiency.

Nice have scored multiple goals in five Ligue 1 games this season, and they are unbeaten whenever they have managed to do so. Their points tally of 17 after 10 matches is one better than at this stage last term, and the team’s tactical cohesion under Haise continues to improve. The blend of youthful flair and experienced leadership has made them difficult to break down and increasingly dangerous on the counterattack.

Interestingly, Nice have enjoyed relative success at the Parc des Princes in recent years. They have won two of their last three visits to Paris, scoring three goals in both victories, including a 3-1 triumph in this exact fixture last season. That record, combined with their current form, ensures PSG cannot afford complacency.

A fourth consecutive league victory would equal their best run from last season and mark their longest away winning streak in two years, achievements that would underline Nice’s growing credentials as a European contender.

The visitors will likely concede possession but look to strike quickly on turnovers, an approach that has previously troubled PSG at the Parc des Princes. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.

Team News & Tactics

PSG

Paris Saint-Germain will enter the weekend with several key injury concerns ahead of their clash with OGC Nice. Fabian Ruiz is once again unavailable due to a persistent hip problem, ruling him out of contention for the midfield. Achraf Hakimi is also a major doubt after sustaining a knock, and Desire Doue, who was stretchered off with a muscle injury against Lorient, looks set to miss this fixture as well.

There is, however, some positive news for Luis Enrique. Lee Kang-in should return to the squad after recovering from an illness earlier in the week, giving the Spanish coach a creative option in the attacking third. Meanwhile, Joao Neves, recently back from a minor knock, is pushing for a start in central midfield following an impressive cameo in midweek.

Defender Nuno Mendes, who scored PSG’s only goal on Matchday 10, remains a consistent performer from left-back and is expected to play a crucial role once again. His attacking runs down the flank have been a significant outlet for PSG, especially with Hakimi’s availability uncertain.

In terms of the tactical setup, Luis Enrique is expected to maintain his preferred 4-3-3 formation, built on ball retention and positional fluidity. Lucas Chevalier will continue in goal, shielded by a back four comprising Marquinhos and Willian Pacho as the central defenders, with Lucas Beraldo possibly filling in on the right if Hakimi is not risked, and Nuno Mendes operating on the left.

The midfield trio should include Senny Mayulu in the holding role, alongside Vitinha and Joao Neves, both of whom will be tasked with driving transitions and linking play with the attack. Up front, Bradley Barcola and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are expected to start on the wings, supporting Ousmane Dembele, who will likely play as the central attacking figure in this fluid frontline.

Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Chevalier; Marquinhos, Pacho, Beraldo, Mendes; Mayulu, Vitinha, Neves; Barcola, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia

OGC Nice

Nice are dealing with a significant injury list as they prepare for their visit to the Parc des Princes. Moise Bombito is ruled out with a lower leg fracture and will not be available for several weeks. Gabin Bernardeau remains a doubt after picking up a knock, while Terem Moffi continues his recovery from a calf strain and is unlikely to feature.

The situation is further complicated by a string of long-term absences. Jonathan Clauss is sidelined with a knee injury, Mohamed-Ali Cho is managing a minor knock, and both Youssouf Ndayishimiye and Mohamed Abdelmonem are long-term absentees due to cruciate ligament injuries. Their absence deprives Nice of valuable experience and stability across defence and midfield.

However, there is some positive momentum on the attacking front. Sofiane Diop has been in outstanding form, scoring in five consecutive Ligue 1 matches and finding the net six times in that span. His clinical finishing and sharp movement have been central to Nice’s attacking resurgence, while Isak Jansson has also contributed with key goals, including one against Lille in their recent 2-0 victory.

In terms of setup, manager Franck Haise is expected to persist with his favoured 3-4-3 formation, which offers both defensive security and swift transitions on the counterattack. Yehvann Diouf will likely start in goal, shielded by a back three of Antoine Mendy, Juma Bah, and Kojo Peprah Oppong, who will look to contain PSG’s dynamic front line.

The midfield will be anchored by Hicham Boudaoui and Tanguy Ndombele, with Tiago Gouveia and Melvin Bard operating as wing-backs to provide width and support in both defence and attack. Further forward, Sofiane Diop and Isak Jansson are expected to flank Kevin Carlos, who should lead the line as the central striker.

Haise’s approach will likely focus on disciplined defending and quick vertical transitions through Diop and Jansson, aiming to exploit PSG’s defensive gaps during moments of high pressing. Despite their injury setbacks, Nice’s recent form and attacking sharpness give them every reason to believe they can challenge the champions once again.

Probable Lineup (3-4-3): Diouf; Mendy, Bah, Oppong; Gouveia, Boudaoui, Ndombele, Bard; Diop, Carlos, Jansson

Key Stats

  • Paris Saint-Germain are unbeaten in their last 12 Ligue 1 matches in November, a streak that stretches back to 2020. Their last home defeat in this month came over a decade ago, a 2-1 loss to Rennes in 2012.

  • OGC Nice have surprisingly enjoyed success at the Parc des Princes in recent years, winning two of their last three away fixtures against PSG. Both victories came with Nice scoring three goals, including a 3-1 triumph in this exact fixture last season.

  • PSG have scored 13 goals in their last four competitive matches, but they were held to just one goal from seven shots on target in their recent 1-1 draw with Lorient, highlighting their occasional inefficiency in front of goal.

  • Nice forward Sofiane Diop has scored in five consecutive Ligue 1 matches, netting six goals during that run, making him one of the most in-form players in the French top flight entering this contest.

  • PSG have collected 10 points from their last four home league games, keeping three clean sheets during that period, while Nice remain unbeaten in their last five Ligue 1 matches overall (W3 D2), reflecting strong momentum for both sides heading into the clash.

Player to Watch

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

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All eyes will once again be on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, whose dynamic presence on the left flank continues to make him one of PSG’s most exciting attacking threats. The Georgian winger has adapted well to life in the French capital, blending flair, creativity, and precision in equal measure.

Kvaratskhelia’s ability to glide past defenders and create numerical advantages in wide areas has been instrumental in PSG’s attacking rhythm under Luis Enrique. His trademark dribbles, sudden bursts of acceleration, and curling shots into the far corner remain difficult to contain, especially when he cuts inside onto his stronger right foot.

Beyond his individual brilliance, Kvaratskhelia’s chemistry with Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola has given PSG a multi-dimensional attacking edge. Against a compact and disciplined Nice defence, his ability to draw markers and open up passing lanes could prove decisive.

If PSG are to break through a resilient Nice backline, expect Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to be at the heart of their most dangerous moments, whether creating chances from the wing, exploiting spaces in transition, or producing a moment of magic to turn the game in their favour.

Prediction

Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 OGC Nice

This fixture promises to be far from straightforward for Paris Saint-Germain. Despite their superior squad depth and home advantage, Luis Enrique’s side have shown occasional vulnerability when faced with compact, counter-attacking opponents, a setup that suits Franck Haise’s OGC Nice perfectly.

Nice arrive in strong form, unbeaten in five Ligue 1 matches and boasting a clinical finisher in Sofiane Diop, whose recent scoring run could trouble PSG’s backline, especially if Achraf Hakimi and Fabian Ruiz remain unavailable. Their recent history in Paris, two wins in their last three visits, also gives them confidence to push forward rather than simply absorb pressure.

However, PSG’s individual quality, led by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s creativity and Ousmane Dembele’s pace, should ultimately prove decisive. The champions are unlikely to squander as many chances as they did against Lorient and will be determined to reassert dominance at the Parc des Princes.

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