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PSG will square off against Monaco at the Parc des Princes in Ligue 1 on Sunday. They will look to return to winning ways after consecutive league draws, while Monaco are on a two-game win streak in the French top flight.
PSG enjoyed a great outing in their last Champions League group game against Club Brugge. They scored three first-half goals in a comprehensive 4-1 win at home.
Lionel Messi scored a trademark left-footed goal against Brugge. So PSG will hope that the Argentine star ends his three-game goal drought in Ligue 1 on Sunday. However, he assisted three goals against St. Etienne.
Meanwhile, Monaco have put their slow start to their 2021-22 campaign behind them. They are unbeaten in their last eight games across competitions, though five of them have ended in stalemates.
Interestingly, Monaco secured a league double over PSG last season, but lost 2-0 in the Coupe de France final against the same opponents in May. The clash between the two sides has produced some great displays over the years, with 24 goals being scored in their last six meetings.
Ahead of their first league meeting of the season, here's a look at five players from both teams to watch out for in this game:
#5 Aurelien Tchouameni | Monaco
While PSG and Monaco have relied on their attacking players for results this season, Monaco's standout player in 2021 has been Aurelien Tchouameni. The deep-lying midfielder earned the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year award last season. He has continued his good form this campaign as well.
He has had more minutes under his belt than any other outfield player for The Monegasques. Tchouameni is leading the team in interceptions (2.4 per 90), while he is third in tackles (2.6 per 90) and aerial duels (1.8 per 90).
The young midfielder could be a key player against a free-scoring and highly creative PSG side. His tackling ability and aerial prowess might help him win crucial duels in the middle of the park.
#4 Angel Di Maria | PSG
With Neymar ruled out with an injury, Angel Di Maria has returned to the spotlight. The Argentine winger's pace, quick feet and close ball control make him a great asset in the final third.
He provides a lot of width going forward, and his style complements Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe very well. Messi lies a bit deeper, so he can move out into good positions on the flanks to receive passes. Meanwhile, Mbappe's quick runs into the box allow Di Maria to curl in crosses.
#3 Lionel Messi | PSG
PSG's marquee signing of the summer, Lionel Messi, has enjoyed a great outing in the Champions League. He has scored five goals in as many appearances, but has not been able to replicate the same form in Ligue 1.
Messi has scored just once in nine league outings, with his lone strike coming against Nantes last month. Despite his abysmally low scoring rate in the league, he has been involved in the build-up play for the hosts.
Messi has registered more key passes (2.3 per 90) than any other PSG player in the French top flight this season.
He produced a seamless display against Club Brugge, bagging a brace. If he can produce a similar outing against Monaco, PSG could canter to a comfortable win.
#2 Wissam Ben Yedder | Monaco
Wissam Ben Yedder is enjoying the most prolific spell of his career at Monaco. After ending his 2020-21 Ligue 1 campaign with 20 goals, he has started this season on a similar note, bagging nine goals and two assists.
He has accounted for 40% of the goals scored by Monaco in the league this season. So Ben Yedder will be one player PSG should be wary of. His partner up front, Kevin Volland, is suspended for this game. So the onus of scoring decisive goals for Monaco against PSG will be on Ben Yedder.
He has scored five goals in 15 appearances against PSG. However, he is yet to find the back of the net against the hosts since joining Monaco. He will look forward to breaking that drought in this game on Sunday.
#1 Kylian Mbappe | PSG
Kylian Mbappe has been the standout player for PSG this term, leading the club in both goals (7) and assists (7) in the league. His performance against Club Brugge was a testament to his ability, as he scored twice and picked up an assist in the first half.
Mbappe has enjoyed great outings against his former club. In the nine games he has faced Monaco while at PSG, he has scored eight goals and also picked up five assists. Manager Mauricio Pochettino will hope that his most in-form player leads PSG to their first league win of the month.
