The hosts are heading into the match on the back of a narrow 1-0 win over Toulouse in a friendly last weekend, while PSG thrashed Nantes 4-0 to lift the Trophee des Champions title on the same day.
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Paris Saint-Germain will begin their Ligue 1 title defence with a trip to Stade Gabriel-Montpied to take on Clermont on Saturday night. The hosts are heading into the match on the back of a narrow 1-0 win over Toulouse in their final friendly of the summer last weekend, while PSG thrashed Nantes 4-0 to lift the Trophee des Champions title on the same day. Clermont, who had earned promotion to Ligue 1 in 2021, managed to survive last term by finishing 17th in the table, just four points above the relegation zone. PSG, on the other hand, won the 2021-22 Ligue 1 title by collecting 86 points from 38 games, 15 points more than second-placed Marseille.
?⚽️ #CF63PSG
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— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) August 5, 2022
PSG had an impressive pre-season, winning all of their five friendlies in Japan. In their last game against Nantes, Neymar netted a brace, while Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos scored one goal each to lift their first trophy of the new season. New boss Christopher Galtier’s initial goal would be to retain the league title, but winning the Champions League is certainly their main agenda. PSG have brought in a couple of midfielders and defenders to bolster their squad, signing Vitinha, Nuno Mendes, Renato Sanches and Nordi Mukiele.
Clermont, on the other hand, registered four wins and two defeats from their six friendlies this summer. The Lancers registered wins against Montpellier HSC, After taking eight points from their opening four games last term, Pascal Gastei’s side surprisingly drifted to the lower echelons of the table .
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PSG forward Kylian Mbappe is unavailable due to an abductor injury, while Julian Draxler is also sidelined with a knee injury. Therefore Pablo Sarabia is likely to join Neymar and Messi up front. Vitinha could partener Verratti in the central midfield with Hakimi and Mendes occupying the flanks. Ramos, Marquinhos and Kimpembe are likely to form the back-three. As for Clermont, Andric is expected to be the target-man with Berthomeir playing in a free-role behind the striker.
Clermont probable starting lineup: Djoco; Zeffane, Seidu, Ogier, Borges; Gonalons, Magnin; Dossou, Berthomeir, Rashani; andric
PSG probable starting lineup: Donnarunna; Ramos, Marquinhos, Kimpembe; Hakimi, Vitinha, Verratti, Mendes; Messi; Sarabia, Neymar
The Ligue 1 fixture between Clermont and PSG will take place at Stade Gabriel Montpied on Sunday at 12:30 am IST.
For the football fans in India, live coverage of Ligue 1 matches are available on Sports 18 network. Meanwhile for those in France, they can catch the live action via Amazon Prime video.
