Here’s our series. The 5 good reasons to watch a match (with some adjustments here and there). We’ll revisit the compelling 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 Angers (13th) this Saturday at the Stade Raymond-Kopa for Matchday 31 of the 2025-2026 Ligue 1 season (kick-off at 7 pm, CET).
5 – Zabarnyi’s last game for two weeks?
Ilya Zabarnyi, the 23-year-old defender, could start tonight (though it’s not guaranteed) and he’ll need to make the most of it. Given the competition for places, it’s hard to imagine him playing in both the Champions League semi-finals against Bayern Munich on Tuesday evening and Wednesday, May 6th. The Ukrainian is suspended for the match against Lorient on May 2nd (Ligue 1 Matchday 32), so this could mean a fairly long break.
4 – Chevalier’s return?
The 24-year-old goalkeeper hasn’t played since January and could make his return to give Matvey Safonov (27) a rest. It’s an opportunity for the keeper to seize, against an opponent that also featured in his first match at the Parc des Princes with PSG. This time, he’ll need to seize the opportunity to send positive signals for the future.
3 – The precision of the management.
Many questions can be raised about PSG’s lineup tonight, as well as the substitutions. Every choice carries weight when the title race is intertwined with the Champions League semi-finals. We know that coach Luis Enrique isn’t afraid to make tough decisions and that he knows how to instill confidence in each player. The timing will be precise and worth watching.
2 – Ruiz in the starting lineup?
One of the big questions tonight is whether Fabian Ruiz (30-year-old midfielder) will start. It would be his first start since his knee injury on January 20th and a strong signal ahead of the Champions League. He has been a substitute twice, with a bit more playing time on Wednesday against Nantes. It remains to be seen how he feels and what his match fitness is like.
1 – The title race.
The title race is thrilling at the end of the season, and PSG has the opportunity to make a big statement. Lens staged a great comeback against Brest after being down 3-0 at halftime, but the draw (3-3) still leaves Paris with a 6-point lead with a win (as well as a very positive goal difference, as the Parisians are currently 12 points ahead of Lens).
There’s no time to waste; every match is crucial, and a win is essential as the end of the season approaches, with a trip to Lens on Wednesday, May 13th (a rescheduled match from Matchday 30) on the way.
