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 (1st) and Nice (15th) this Saturday at the Allianz Riviera for Matchday 27 of the 2025-2026 Ligue 1 season (kick-off at 9:05 pm, CET).
5 – Make the most of it before the international break.
Next Monday marks the start of another international break. It will have a bit of a World Cup feel, as it’s approaching (June 11 – July 19) and there are still playoff matches to be played, but it will mainly consist of friendly matches. With the season in its crucial phase, this break can be frustrating. We must make the most of this opportunity.
4 – Backup players need to step up.
Even though PSG will have a break next weekend, some rotation is possible after the Champions League round of 16. Those chosen, between competition and squad management, will need to seize the opportunity. We can consider Gonçalo Ramos, Ilya Zabarnyi, Lee Kang-In, or even Ibrahim Mbaye (at least as a substitute).
3 – The fight for survival.
Far from last season’s 4th place in Ligue 1, which earned them a Champions League qualifying spot, Nice has struggled this season and is now fighting to avoid relegation. They have a slight cushion, but not enough to be completely safe. This home game against PSG, following their victory against Angers last weekend, is an opportunity to pull off a major upset.
2 – Efficiency and dominance in the same match?
For several weeks, PSG has largely dominated their matches but has missed numerous chances. Against Chelsea, Paris had far fewer shots, but they were ruthlessly efficient. Without expecting quite the same level of performance, could we finally see a Parisian side that controls the game and is clinical enough to secure a convincing victory?
1 – Defend first place.
Paris doesn’t have time to dwell on their Champions League quarter-final qualification this week; they must refocus on Ligue 1 with this crucial away match in a tight title race. A win would allow them to head into the international break in first place, despite having a game in hand. An interesting lead to have some serenity, while Lens put the pressure on by winning yesterday against Angers in order to provisionally take 1st place with a 2-point lead.
