Four days before Paris Saint-Germain travel to Manchester City in the Champions League, Mika Godts has been handed his first start of the season against Le Mans. The 21-year-old winger gets his opportunity in a heavily altered PSG side for Saturday’s 20:45 kick-off.
The move
Luis Enrique has rewarded Godts after an encouraging international break with Belgium. The winger started three times for his country and also appeared from the bench against France.
Godts had featured in every league match for PSG so far, but always as a substitute. His selection against Le Mans marks his first place in the starting XI since joining the French champions.
Paris have made extensive changes with Tuesday’s European trip to Manchester in mind, as well as a demanding run of fixtures ahead. Ousmane Dembélé and Nuno Mendes have been rested, while Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Désiré Doué begin on the bench.
Lucas Digne is also named from the start. Lucas Beraldo, meanwhile, is set for only his second start of the campaign in midfield, following his previous selection in the 2-2 draw at Lille on matchday two.
The French season around it
Le Mans coach Patrick Videira has largely kept to the side expected before the match, with one defensive adjustment. Harold Voyer, who came through PSG’s academy, is preferred to Raul Torrente and joins Samuel Yohou and Noa Boissé in the back line.
With Adil Bourabaa unavailable for at least a month, Alexandre Lauray and Jean Vercruysse come into the midfield alongside Lucas Bretelle. Le Mans retain their familiar 3-5-2 system, with Louis Mafouta and Habib Diallo leading the attack.
- Mika Godts: first PSG start of the season after regular substitute appearances in the league.
- Lucas Beraldo: second start of the campaign, again used in midfield.
- Harold Voyer: former PSG academy player selected in Le Mans’ three-man defence.
- Adil Bourabaa: ruled out for a minimum of one month.
