Here’s our series. The 5 best reasons to watch a match (with some minor adjustments). We’ll be highlighting the most 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 Nantes (17th) this Wednesday at the Parc des Princes, a rescheduled match from Matchday 26 of the 2025-2026 Ligue 1 season (kick-off at 7 pm, CET).
5 – Halilhodzic, almost a reunion 19 years later.
Vahid Halilhodzic, FC Nantes’ coach since March with the mission of avoiding relegation, previously played for PSG (1986-1987) and was their coach from 2003 to 2005. This match was therefore an opportunity to return to the Parc des Princes, almost 19 years after his dismissal from the Parisian bench. But he will miss it, as he is suspended following a red card received this weekend against Brest.
4 – What will PSG’s lineup be?
It’s a big question mark; everyone is making predictions, and few are guessing the same starting lineup. This mix of needing to win, resting some players, and boosting confidence could spark a competition… all within a squad known for its versatility. One of the biggest questions of the day is to see the formation chosen by coach Luis Enrique.
3 – More time for Ruiz.
Fabian Ruiz made his return to competition on Sunday, almost three months after his knee injury. It was an important and successful moment, as the 30-year-old midfielder made a very promising appearance against Olympique Lyonnais. We therefore expect to see more of him than the 20 minutes he played three days ago. Some even see him as a possible starter.
2 – PSG players want and need to react.
PSG is not used to losing and cannot afford to let a losing streak take hold, especially with the title race so tight. We therefore expect a reaction, even if their performance against Lyon wasn’t bad. They need to do better, both collectively and individually.
1 – Very important and different objectives.
A title race on one side, a battle to avoid relegation on the other, this rescheduled match is clearly not lacking in stakes. The timing is regrettable, even if it’s to allow for better visibility of the French Cup semi-final (Strasbourg/Nice at 9 pm). In any case, there are high stakes for matches of vastly different stature. This promises to be an intense and fast-paced PSG/Nantes encounter.
