Paris Saint-Germain return from the international break with momentum at last, but Saturday’s visit of Le Mans brings a reunion and a selection puzzle as the champions prepare for a demanding October run.
Le Mans return to Paris after 15 years
PSG, sixth after five rounds, host ninth-placed Le Mans on Ligue 1 matchday six. It will be the clubs’ first league meeting since May 2010.
Le Mans have made an encouraging start on their return to the French top flight. The newly promoted side have collected six points and sit in the top half, although the margin remains narrow: Marseille, currently the first team in the relegation zone, are only three points behind.
- PSG begin the weekend in sixth place.
- Le Mans are ninth with six points from five matches.
- The gap between Le Mans and the relegation places is three points.
- Marseille occupy the highest relegation position.
Videira faces the club where he learned the game
For Le Mans coach Patrick Videira, the trip carries personal weight. He spent 11 years at PSG as a youth player and now returns to the capital as the man tasked with guiding the visitors through one of their toughest early-season assignments.
His side meet a PSG team whose difficult opening weeks have begun to fade from view. Paris lost 1-0 to Lens in the Trophée des Champions and then went through their first three Ligue 1 matches without a win. Since 9 September, however, Luis Enrique’s players have not lost in any competition.
That improved sequence included a 6-1 Champions League win over Slovan Bratislava, a result that underlined the change in mood around the Paris squad.
Mayulu ruled out as Luis Enrique weighs his options
Senny Mayulu is the only confirmed PSG absentee for the Le Mans match. The midfielder was injured while playing for France’s Under-21 side in their 2-0 victory against Estonia and is expected to be unavailable for around a month.
Paris have otherwise emerged from the break in relatively good condition, partly because several senior players had limited international minutes.
- João Neves has played less since Jorge Jesus arrived and appears to have lost his regular starting role.
- Fabián Ruiz returned early after the birth of his son.
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia played four complete matches for Georgia and could be held back initially.
- Achraf Hakimi and Warren Zaïre-Emery have muscular problems and may also begin among the substitutes.
A crowded October shapes Paris selection
Luis Enrique is unlikely to take unnecessary chances with players carrying fatigue or fitness concerns. PSG face Manchester City on 14 October, Strasbourg three days later, Barcelona on 20 October and Lyon on 25 October.
Le Mans arrive with the freedom of a promoted side already showing they can compete. PSG, with their form improving and their calendar tightening, need the points but also need to emerge from Saturday night with enough left for what follows.
