Here’s our series. The 5 good reasons to watch a match (with some adjustments here and there). 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 Paris Saint-Germain match this Saturday against Nice at the Parc des Princes for Matchday 11 of the 2025-2026 Ligue 1 season (kick-off at 5 pm, CET).
5 – Sofiane Diop, one of the in-form players in Ligue 1.
Sofiane Diop, the 25-year-old winger for OGC Nice, is currently in excellent form and consistently makes decisive contributions. He also provides some exciting moments. He’s a key player in Nice’s recent good results and could be a valuable asset in creating a fast-paced match with some exciting sequences of play. This could be a welcome boost after the lackluster away game in Lorient. Of course, PSG will need to limit their influence on the match.
4 – Expected reaction.
Besides the disappointing result in Lorient (1-1), PSG delivered a much more lackluster performance than usual. Fatigue is a possibility, perhaps a bit of complacency. In any case, coach Luis Enrique stated that he was frustrated, particularly by the first half. The Parisians cannot let this feeling linger. A collective reaction is expected.
3 – Ousmane Dembélé, a turning point?
Ousmane Dembélé, the 28-year-old forward, has returned to action in the last two matches after an injury that lasted just over a month. This is good news, but his performances haven’t been very encouraging. This is understandable; returning to action isn’t easy, especially for a player for whom agility is crucial. We also saw some rather poor shots. There’s a confidence to regain, and there’s nothing better than a decisive action to do that. The turning point will certainly come; it would be great if it were in this match.
2 – Fabian Ruiz returns.
PSG is almost at full strength, except that Désiré Doué (20-year-old midfielder/forward) was injured on Wednesday. On the positive side, Fabian Ruiz (29-year-old midfielder) has returned after missing several matches due to a muscle problem. He’s a great addition to PSG’s attack, even if we don’t yet know how much playing time he’ll get.
1 – Protecting first place in a tight race.
There’s nothing alarming about this slightly more complicated period for PSG, which is relatively normal in a very special 2025. But they can’t afford to dawdle; they’re only two points ahead of sixth place (Lens). Ligue 1 is particularly interesting because it’s so tight; they just need to do what’s necessary to stay ahead. It’s far from a done deal.
