PSG v Monaco: Predicted line-ups for Friday’s Ligue 1 showdown

Paris Saint-Germain are expected to welcome back Ousmane Dembele for Friday’s Ligue 1 meeting with Monaco, with the reigning Ballon d’Or winner returning to training after being rested against Lille.

The third-round fixture will be played on Friday, 4 September 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 19:05 GMT. Dembele took part in training on Monday and is expected to be available for the match at the Parc des Princes.

His return would provide a significant boost for Luis Enrique as PSG prepare for a demanding encounter against a Monaco side who have made a perfect start to the season and are confident in their defensive organisation.

Dembele’s long-term future also appears to be settled. The forward, who has attracted interest from Saudi Arabia, is expected to sign a contract extension with PSG running until 2030. The agreement is due to be officially announced in the coming weeks.

The predicted PSG team is:

Goalkeeper: Matvey Safonov

Defenders: Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Lucas Digne

Midfielders: Warren Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz

Forwards: Desire Doue, Ferran Torres, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

Monaco will travel to Paris hoping the strength of their squad can earn them a positive result against PSG. The club believe their depth, solid early-season form and defensive resilience give them the platform to challenge the hosts without intimidation.

The visitors are expected to field the following side:

Goalkeeper: Lukas Hradecky

Defenders: Vanderson, Eric Dier, Sadibou Sane, Flavio Nazinho

Midfielders: Denis Zakaria, Lamine Camara, Mamadou Coulibaly

Forwards: Aleksandr Golovin, Stanis Idumbo, Paris Brunner

The match represents Monaco’s third Ligue 1 fixture of the campaign and one of the first major tests of their season. Their unbeaten start has helped create belief within the squad, while PSG will look to use home advantage to control a contest between two of the division’s leading teams.

The bookmakers make PSG clear favourites before kick-off. Betting company 1xbet rates a Monaco victory at 6.60, while a draw is priced at 5.20. A PSG win is listed at 1.36.

The announced starting line-ups will determine whether Dembele is included from the outset, but his return to training has strengthened PSG’s options before the meeting with Monaco.