PSG Return to Action at Home to Le Mans: Opposition Preview

After three weeks away due to the unprecedently long international break between September and October, PSG return to action on Saturday night at 20:45 CEST, when they welcome newly promoted side Le Mans to the Parc Des Princes. 

So, what can we expect from the visitors? 

This will be the first top flight meeting between the two sides since the 8th of May 2010, where Le Mans defeated PSG 1-0 despite being relegated that season. There have since been two meetings in the Coupe de France (2011, 2025) and also once in the former secondary cup competition, the Coupe de la Ligue, during its final iteration in the 19/20 season. PSG won all three occasions, going on to lift the trophy twice. 

It has been a so and so start to life back in Ligue 1 for Le Mans, with six points from their five games, though that is fairly good for a newly promoted side overall. They have only lost one of their five games, drawing three times before defeating Lorient 2-1 last time out, for their first top flight win since the aforementioned game with PSG, 16 years ago. 

Some fans may be familiar with striker Habib Diallo, who has previously played for the likes of Metz and Brest in France. He scored the all important second goal against Lorient. There are some other familiar, experienced names amongst their ranks, such as former AS Monaco and Everton right-back Dijbril Sidibe - who is suspended for this one.

In terms of dangermen right now, midfielder Adil Bourabaa and striker Louis Mafouta have both found the net three times already, only Ferran Torres can better that from PSG players this season, so pretty impressive numbers, especially Bourabaa from that midfield role. 

Manager Patrick Videira, who is from Paris and started his playing career at PSG before being let go, has been in charge since 2024 and masterminded their promotion back to Ligue 1 last season. He is seen as a tactically astute manager who is able to overachieve with the resources he has at his disposal. It will be an interesting battle with Luis Enrique. 

Anyone who thinks this is guaranteed to be a walkover needs to be very careful. They are clearly a solid side and they will be extremely up for playing PSG at the Parc Des Princes.. The team will need to be on top form. 

Potential Le Mans starting XI on Saturday evening; Kocik; Torrente, Yohou, Voyer; Bamba, Bretelle, Vercruysse, Bourabaa, Larouci; Mafouta, Diallo. (352).