Ligue 1

PSG vs Monaco: Les Parisiens seeking to achieve another record

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www.espnfc.com

PSG will be hoping to take one step closer towards setting yet another record when they welcome Monaco to the Parc des Princes on Sunday.

Last weekend saw Les Parisiens set two records. First, their 9-0 thrashing of bottom-ranked Troyes was the largest ever away win in Ligue 1 history. Second, in sealing their fourth consecutive domestic title with eight games to spare, the capital club became the fastest team to clinch the Ligue 1 title in the past two decades.

Still, that was not all – there were personal records set as well. The win over a hapless Troyes side also gave Laurent Blanc his ninth trophy, which makes him PSG’s most decorated manager. And Zlatan Ibrahimovic – who scored a poker in last weekend’s rout – became the second fastest player to hit a century of goals in French football’s top flight. Not a bad day at the office for the Swedish superstar, who is also already PSG’s all-time top goalscorer.

So with the Ligue 1 title in the bag, what is next for PSG? Well, there is the matter of breaking the points record, which stands at 89 from the 2013/2014 season. And the team who set that? Yes, none other than PSG. With 77 points so far, Les Parisiens need just 13 to top that total, and with eight games to go, one would be a fool to bet against them getting this done by the end of May.

Looming on the horizon is a mouthwatering tie against Manchester City as they hope to make it to the Champions League semi-finals for the first time in over 20 years. However, with their European adventure not set to resume until April, next up on the menu will be a match with Monaco, who in prior seasons were considered as a serious contender for the Ligue 1 title.

Not so much this term. Les Rouges-et-Blancs are 25 points behind the Ligue 1 leaders and at this point, Leonardo Jardim’s side are simply playing to secure a Champions League football berth. Were one to take PSG out of the equation, the Ligue 1 table would resemble that of Europe’s other major leagues, with just a four point gap between Monaco and third-placed Rennes. All in all, Monaco have done pretty decently: in their past 17 games, they have won eight, drawn eight, whilst suffering only one loss.

Having drawn their past three Ligue 1 games,  the visitors will be hoping that their overall solid record against PSG will continue. Out of their 12 prior meetings, Monaco have won three, drawn eight, and lost just once.

In addition, PSG have now won any of their past six games against Monaco played in Paris – with five draws and one defeat.

So, will the visitors be able to spoil PSG’s unbeaten home record that now extends to 34 games? Or will Monaco become the latest side to be brushed aside by a team that has been virtually unstoppable since the start of this season?

MORE: You can watch PSG vs Manaco live with FuboTV 24-hour game pass FREE.

Michelle Bonsu

Freelance football journalist based in New York. Primarily support AC Milan as well as the Ghanaian and Italian NT’s, but you’ll find me watching the Bundesliga and Premier League as well–enjoy a good game, regardless of where it’s being played. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is one of my favourite players.