Unai Emery led PSG are currently 3rd on the table with 35 points which is a sign that the club is indeed struggling in the absence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, their record goalscorer, who left on a free transfer in the summer in search of a new challenge.
Jese Rodriguez, the left winger, was signed up from Real Madrid to strengthen the attack while Grzegorz Krychowiak was signed up from Sevilla to get some depth into the defensive midfield position. Hatem Ben Arfa, who had performed extremely well for Nice last season made a move on a free transfer rejecting concrete interest from FC Barcelona.
Though Cavani has been in tremendous form for the Parisians, the club has been unable to perform at the standards they are capable of.
OGC Nice, managed by former Swiss footballer Lucien Favre has performed remarkably well this season. They are currently on top of the table with 39 points, having scored 30 goals and conceded just 10.
The former Borussia Mönchengladbach manager signed up Mario Balotelli on a free transfer from English giants Liverpool which has turned out to be an extremely shrewd deal till now. Brazilian defender Dante who was signed up from Wolfsburg has delivered rock solid performances at the back.
PSG and Nice will battle it out on Monday, 1.15 am in a clash which promises to be an edge of the seat thriller.
Now let’s take a look at the 3 player battles which fans will be surely looking forward to witnessing-
#1 Thiago Silva vs Mario Balotelli
Thiago Silva, the Brazilian who signed up for PSG in 2012, has been consistently delivering excellent performances for the club at the heart of defence this season.
Hailed as one of the best centre-backs in the world, his gameplay has certainly done his reputation no harm. The club will be expecting him to deliver another rock solid performance against Nice.
Mario Balotelli, the talented Italian who enjoys a reputation of being a temperamental man-child has finally found a club where he can prosper and contribute effectively. After making a move on a free transfer from Liverpool, he has been in sublime form for the club this season.
6 goals in 6 appearances certainly seem to indicate that. The club took a gamble on him and it certainly seems to be paying off extremely well.
If he can deliver a similar performance against the French giants on Monday, then it will send out a message that the striker is seriously pursuing his dream of winning the Ballon d’Or.
The battle between the 26-year-old striker and the 32-year-old defender will indeed be an exciting contest. The former will be looking to add to his impressive goal scoring tally while the latter will be looking to thwart his attempts.
#2 Edinson Cavani vs Dante
Edinson Cavani , the Uruguay Striker has enjoyed a revival of sorts under Emery. His career had almost come to a standstill under Blanc with Zlatan hogging the limelight and also the striker’s role.
14 goals in 14 appearances with a ratio of 1 goal per 76 minutes are extremely impressive stats indeed. Several Premier League and La Liga outfits have expressed a desire to sign him up during the winter window.
If his performances remain as clinical throughout the season, PSG might look to ward off interest by offering him a new contract.
Dante, the Brazilian defender who made a move from Wolfsburg to Nice in the summer has been one of the major reasons behind their astounding success this season. His mature performances and extremely high concentration levels have made him a fan- favourite.
News reports indicate that Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is looking to swoop him up for cheap during the January transfer window in order to get an experienced defender into his depleting back line.
The former Bayern Munich defender will need to use all his experience if he wishes to stop the lethal striker from scoring. The former Napoli attacker has scored 4 goals in a single game this season and is capable of doing it again if left unchecked.
#3 Marquinhos vs Alassane Plea
Marquinhos, the Brazilian centre-back has seized the opportunity presented in the absence of David Luiz with both hands. His partnership with fellow Brazilian Thiago Silva has resulted in the club conceding just 10 goals till now.
The 22-year-old defender was linked to Barcelona in the summer but rejected this opportunity presented, preferring to enjoy regular game time at PSG. Blanc preferred a partnership between David Luiz and Thiago Silva which forced him to warm the bench.
Emery, on the other hand,has decided to encourage young talents like him and Kimpembe. A good solid performance on Monday will further cement his reputation as one of the most exciting defenders out there.
Alassane Plea, the 23-year-old striker has been the revelation of the season. Having scored 9 goals in 13 appearances already, he will be aiming to cross the 20 goal barrier by the end of the season.
His hat trick in a 4-2 win against Metz recently helped Nice record their fourth consecutive win in all competitions. Several big clubs will be keeping an eye on him when he walks out to represent Nice against PSG. A good performance on Monday will surely encourage them to pursue his signing during the winter transfer window.
Plea and Marquinhos will fight an intense battle on Monday. The French striker will be looking to snap up any opportunity presented for a goal scoring opportunity which the Brazilian will be looking to deny.
