Valenciennes FC vs. PSG Preview

By: Thomas | August 21st, 2009

This Saturday PSG make their way to the Stade Nungesser to take on VAFC for their third game of the season. Valenciennes, who finished 12th in Ligue 1 last season, have gotten off to a relatively poor start, losing 3-1 to ASNL on opening day and succumbing to a 1-0 defeat against seven time champions Lyon a week ago. Interesting (and a little bit disheartening) Fact: PSG have only won once in their history at the Stade Nugesser, and that was back in 1977. I think that’s a record that needs to be improved on. Moving on, this will be Kombouare’s first match against his former side which adds an interesting element to the game. Anyone have a guess as to how he’ll be received by the VAFC fans?

Valenciennes:
The major threats for the Nord-Pas-de-Calais side will be Mamadou Samassa, on loan from Olympique de Marseille, and Johan Audel, assuming he is fit. In terms of injuries, starting keeper Nicolas Penneteau has been ruled out for the rest of the season. Also, correct me if I’m wrong, but this season Valenciennes seem to be sporting Arsenal kits:

This is not a joke. In case you can’t see the badge on the shirt, it really does have a swan rather than a cannon on it. Trust me.

PSG:
I’m still waiting to see Hoarau on the pitch. Since he was reportedly recovered last week, he should see some time. Zoumana Camara is still out, which means Bourillon or Traore will be starting alongside Sakho. I’d prefer Bourillon, as he seems to have a better understanding with Sakho, and his play has impressed me more than Traore’s in the preseason. Sessegnon is doubtful for the match, according to Goal.com, who I don’t put a lot of faith in, but if it’s true, it’s bad. We could either play a 4-3-3 to compensate for his absence, use Rothen (I have no idea whats going on here. He wasn’t on the bench even against Le Mans yet there are no reports about him leaving), or bring up someone like Tripy Makonda.

My Predicted Lineup:
Coupet
Ceara Bourillon Sakho Armand
Makelele Chantome Clement
Guily Hoarau Erding

Predicted Score: I say we scrape it 1-0, just like Lyon.

The match is at 19:00 CET, thats 10:00 AM Pacific, 1:00 PM Eastern. Go here for streams. It may or may not be on Setanta, and I don’t know of other viewing options outside France. In France, Canal+ will be showing it on one of it’s stations.