Here’s our series. The 5 good reasons to watch a match (with some adjustments here and there). We’ll revisit the appealing aspects before each match with a mix of seriousness and humor. Please note, this isn’t meant to be an exhaustive overview. We continue here with the match between Paris Saint-Germain (2nd) and Auxerre (17th) this Friday at the Stade Abbé-Deschamps for Matchday 19 of the 2025-2026 Ligue 1 season (kick-off at 8 pm, PSG/Inter Milan broadcast on Ligue 1+).
5 – Special timing.
The fact that PSG plays on Friday with a Champions League match the Tuesday before and the following Wednesday is beneficial for recovery and preparation for the next game. However, the fact that the match is at 8 pm is rather unusual. It’s not to have another match later in the evening.
Perhaps it’s a matter of international visibility? But the time difference doesn’t seem to make a big difference at this level. In any case, we have to deal with it, adapt if necessary. We might as well try to make it a positive experience.
4 – Mbaye is back.
Achraf Hakimi (27-year-old right-back) has also returned from the Africa Cup of Nations, but he’s being rested despite having started regularly since his return from injury. Ibrahim Mbaye (17-year-old forward), who was a substitute for Senegal, came on as a substitute in almost every match of the tournament his country won and could be in good form. It’s possible he’ll start. In any case, these are additional players who will be a welcome addition.
3 – Kvaratskhelia as “leader”?
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (24-year-old striker) was a substitute against Sporting Lisbon and could start this time, while others may need a rest. He was also the only player to score on Tuesday and is undoubtedly one of the most creative players to start tonight’s match. He will be particularly expected to break down Auxerre’s defense. It will be interesting to see him with this responsibility, which shouldn’t bother him, given his experience in this role at Napoli and with Georgia. It’s even an opportunity for him to shine.
2 – Collective reaction.
Since the defeat against Sporting Lisbon, all the Parisians have been feeling a bit down. Some are looking for someone to blame. But PSG will above all have to react as a team; that’s always the most important aspect in football. Goals and a victory would do everyone good. The good news is that Paris seems to be able to rely on the return of fast-paced play and effective pressing.
1 – Take first place or aim for survival.
We just mentioned a victory, ideally with several goals, which would be good for morale. But the same is true for the league standings. PSG must aim for first place, which requires a victory, while Lens is on an impressive run (eight consecutive league wins).
They will face a tough test against Olympique de Marseille on Saturday night; they need to put the pressure on with a win. But be warned, Auxerre isn’t here to put on a show. They’re fighting for survival, so we expect a high-intensity match.
