PSG, with Lionel Messi starting, against Toulouse, for the French championship: times, previews, how to watch it and probable formations

With its reduced star endowment, but with Lionel Messi like stickmen, Paris Saint-Germain receive this Saturday at 1pm Toulouse (ESPN and Star+ will be broadcast) in a match corresponding to the 22nd date of the French championship. For the leader, the slogan will be to extend the five-point advantage over his escort, Olympique de Marseille, who will play against Nice on Sunday, and also that his men emerge unscathed from this commitment, given that the duel is already on the horizon. first leg of the round of 16 of Champions League in view of Bayern Monaco.

The challenge at the Parco dei Principi doesn’t seem too demanding for PSG. His rival is 12th in the standings, 22 points off the top and 11 off the positions that guarantee qualification for next season’s European competitions, although they have emerged victorious in their last three appearances (two in Ligue 1 and the remaining in the French Cup ). However, there seems to exist, at least a priori, a good distance between the contenders.

Taking that into account The Champions League is the dream that kept PSG awake for a decadeperhaps the most important challenge for Christopher Galtier this saturday is to start plotting an offensive structure without kylian mbappethinking about the first match against Bayern which will be played on February 14 in the French capital.

The Qatar World Cup goalscorer injured his left thigh on Wednesday in a 3-1 win against Montpellier (he had previously missed a penalty he had missed twice) and will be ruled out for three weeks. The Brazilian will also be missing on Saturday (although recovery times should be shorter). neymar and the Spanish Sergio Ramosboth with adductor discomfort.

The absences of Mbappé and Neymar will recharge Messi’s offensive work, author of a goal on Wednesday against Montpellier, the second since his return after his consecration in Qatar (he had also scored against Angers). The Argentina team captain will be accompanied by youngsters Hugo Ekitike (20) and Warren Zaïre-Emery (16), whose combined age is only one year older than Leo’s.

This Saturday’s match against Toulouse will be just one stop in a very busy route for PSG: they will play seven matches in 21 days. Before the much-quoted match against Bayern, they will face Olympique de Marseille for the last 16 of the French Cup on Wednesday and Monaco for Ligue 1 next Saturday.