PSG aim to break league stalemate as unbeaten Monaco arrive in Paris

Paris Saint-Germain will look for their first Ligue 1 win of the season when they host leaders AS Monaco at the Parc des Princes on Friday, 4 September 2026.

The match, which forms part of the third round of Ligue 1 fixtures, will be PSG’s first home league game of the campaign. Mahamad Sangare, presenter of the sports debate programme La VAR on Burkina info TV, has provided his analysis and predictions for the contest.

The two sides have made contrasting starts to the domestic season. PSG remain unbeaten but have taken only two points from their opening matches, drawing 2-2 with Rennes before recovering from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at Lille. Their ability to fight back has been impressive, although Luis Enrique’s side have yet to turn those performances into a victory.

Monaco, by contrast, sit alone at the top of Ligue 1 with six points. Filipe Luis’ team began with a 1-0 win away to Le Havre and followed it with a 2-0 victory against Olympique de Marseille, keeping clean sheets in both matches. They have also won their past four games in all competitions.

That gives the fixture the feel of an early test for both clubs: the defending French champions are under pressure to get their league campaign moving, while Monaco will attempt to maintain their perfect start and stay top of the table.

PSG searching for momentum

Paris Saint-Germain’s season began with success in the UEFA Super Cup, where they beat Aston Villa 2-1. They then suffered a 1-0 defeat by Lens in the Trophee des champions, before collecting two points from their first two Ligue 1 games.

The draw at Rennes followed a comeback, and the result at Lille was even more dramatic as PSG scored late to rescue a point after falling two goals behind. However, conceding four times in two matches highlights the defensive issues Monaco may look to exploit.

PSG will be without Nuno Mendes, who is suspended. Ousmane Dembele, rested for the trip to Lille, has returned to training and was one of the players whose fitness was being closely monitored before the match. Joao Neves has also been listed as a doubt by some sources.

Luis Enrique still has considerable strength in reserve, including Ferran Torres, who has already made a decisive contribution this season.

Monaco arrive full of confidence

Monaco began their European campaign by beating Polish club Gornik Zabrze twice, winning 3-2 and 4-1 to secure a place in the league phase of the UEFA Conference League.

Their domestic record has been even more convincing. Filipe Luis’ side have not conceded in Ligue 1, edging past Le Havre before producing a stronger display against Olympique de Marseille. That 2-0 victory could prove an important early statement as Monaco attempt to establish themselves among the leading sides.

The visitors will, however, travel without Folarin Balogun, Takumi Minamino, Mohammed Salisu, Ansu Fati and Edan Diop, who are all reported to be unavailable. Matthis Abline has recovered and is expected to be available, contrary to some earlier suggestions.

Monaco still have attacking alternatives, with Mika Biereth and Paris Brunner among the options available to Filipe Luis.

Recent history offers the visitors encouragement. PSG have lost only once in their past seven home league meetings with Monaco, but that defeat came in the latest visit, when Monaco won 3-1 in Paris in March. The Principality club also beat PSG 1-0 at home last season, giving them two successive victories over the champions.

The most cautious betting selection in the preview is for PSG to avoid defeat, with the price listed at 1.59. A goals-based option is also considered attractive after PSG’s two 2-2 draws, while Monaco’s 2-0 win over Marseille adds further evidence of their attacking threat. Monaco have scored three goals across their opening two league matches and also scored three on their most recent league visit to the Parc des Princes.

Any odds may change.