Verdict: Over 3.5 goals scored – yes
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: 888sport
The 2019-20 season in France will officially begin this Saturday, when PSG and Rennes collide in a new edition of the Trophée Des Champions. The reigning Ligue 1 champions enter this game as the clear-cut favourites, but they can’t take this game for granted since Rennes are ahead of a historical chance to win a trophy they haven’t won in the past. This match will be held at Shenzhen Universiade Sports Centre in Shenzhen, China, and will kick-off at 12:30 hrs (BST).
PSG
It’s hard to imagine PSG as an underdog given the strength of their squad, so it shouldn’t be surprising to see them as favourites entering the first competitive match of the 2019-20 French season. Thomas Tuchel’s men enjoyed a stellar campaign last term since they lost only five out of 38 Ligue 1 fixtures in 2019-20, and most of those defeats came when the club had already secured the league title. But they enter this upcoming campaign with lofty expectations, knowing they must perform better in the 2019-20 UEFA Champions League following’s last year exit in the Round of 16 against Manchester United. When it comes to the Trophée Des Champions, PSG will play this match for the 12th time and have won in their last six appearances here in a row. History backs them up to be favourites once again.
Team News
Brazilian superstar Neymar is doubtful for this match since he hasn’t trained properly amid rumours of a potential exit. There are no other notable absentees for the Ligue 1 giants ahead of this match. They acquired Idrissa Gueye in the past few days in order to offset the loss of Adrien Rabiot, who joined Juventus. PSG have also signed Abdou Diallo, Pablo Sarabia and Ander Herrera this summer.
Rennes
On the other hand, Rennes will play in the Trophée Des Champions for the first time in club’s history. They won the right to play in this match after clinching the 2018-19 French Cup title, where they defeated PSG in a thrilling penalty shootout. That match ended 2-2, but Rennes were far more accurate from the spot where it mattered the most and won 6-5 to claim the club’s first French Cup title. However, that’s where most of the positive end for Rennes ahead of this match. They finished the 2018-19 Ligue 1 season in a disappointing 10th place with 52 points, but the Coupe title will give them the chance to play in the 2019-20 UEFA Europa League. But they have lost 11 of the last 13 competitive meetings against their Parisien opponents (W2, L11). Can they pull the upset on Asian soil?
Team News
Rennes do not have any notable absences ahead of this match.
When it comes to their transfer activity this summer, they have bolstered their attack considerably following the arrivals of M’Baye Niang and Flavien Tait. Plus, veteran centre-back Jeremy Morel should add some much-needed experience to the back line following several successful years playing for Olympique Lyonnais.
Key Factors to Consider
- PSG are one of the most successful teams in the Trophée Des Champions since they have lifted the trophy eight times. They are tied with Olympique Lyon for the most titles in this competition.
- The recent H2H record shows PSG have a clear edge against Rennes. The Ligue 1 champions own a W11, L2 mark in their last 13 H2H meetings, and Rennes have conceded over 2.5 goals in eight of those matches.
- Furthermore, Rennes have conceded exactly three goals in three of their last four competitive losses against all opponents.
- PSG have allowed just three goals in their last six Trophée Des Champions matches.
- Clashes between these two sides are usually high scoring affairs. Nine of the last 11 H2H meetings have finished with over 3.5 total goals.
Conclusion
History between these two sides has repeatedly featured high-scoring affairs, as evidenced above. That shouldn’t change ahead of this match.
Expect this game to end with at least four goals scored in total.
Verdict: Over 3.5 goals scored – yes
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: 888sport
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