Angers vs. PSG : Preview, Odds, Predictions (April 21)
Initial Thoughts
PSG look set to record another Ligue 1 title this season, and they can take a step closer to that goal with a win against bottom club Angers on Friday.
But topping the league represents the bare minimum requirement for the Qatari-owned club, and big changes are likely coming in the summer….
The Narrative
The Parisians may be top of the table in Ligue 1 and on course for a 9th league title in 11 seasons, but you have to ask if the PSG project is really working.
Galtier’s side are 12 points clear with seven games to play, which looks like an unassailable lead in Ligue 1. But 2023 has been another disappointing year for the team from the French capital, with a Coupe de France exit courtesy of Marseille in February, followed up by Champions League elimination at the hands of Bayern Munich in March.
Since then the Ligue 1 leaders have slipped up domestically as well - losing at home to both Rennes and Lyon without finding the net on either occasion.
While those defeats have merely postponed the title celebrations rather than trouble them, it's well known that the Champions League is the only trophy that really matters to the owners of the French side.
Adding Lionel Messi to the starting lineup was supposed to be the final piece of the puzzle- especially after the club had reached the UCL Final in 2019 and the semi-final the following season.
But since the Argentine’s arrival in 2021, things have gotten worse rather than better in that department, with PSG suffering successive Round of 16 eliminations.
The Parisians can now focus on getting it done in the league at least, and Mbappe and head west on Friday to take on Angers at the Raymond Kopa Stadium.
Nuts and Bolts
Angers are at the bottom of the French top flight, and when I say bottom I REALLY mean it.
On only 14 points from 31 games, the club are a whopping 17 points from safety and currently on their third manager of the campaign.
Between September and February, Angers went on a 13 game losing run, and they’ve picked up only a single win in 2023.
That 1-0 victory came last week at home to Lille 5th place Lille. And while the bottom club won't be getting carried away as they prepare to face reigning Ligue 1 champions, putting three points on the board will still give the home side a much needed boost ahead of Friday night’s game.
PSG will aim to make it three wins on the bounce after seeing off Nice 2-0 away and then Lens 3-1 at home. Lionel Messi found the net in both of those matches and the World Cup winner is enjoying his best season in France so far, with 15 goals and 14 assists in 21 Ligue 1 matches.
It's hard to see how PSG won't win this game and go on to claim the title. But it's harder to see where the French Champions go after that….
Homestand Picks
All odds courtesy of Northstar Bets
The French champions have conceded in four of the last five matches, and Angers have found the net in four of their last five games at home.
Lionel Messi to score and assist (+275)
Messi has two goals and an assist in his last two matches, and he found the net when the sides last met back in January.
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