Prediction and odds for the game: Brest (11/1) vs PSG (1/5)

We are backing both teams to score at odds of 4/5

When: Friday, 20th August 2021, Kick-off 20:00

Where: Stade Francis-Le Ble

On Friday night, Brest host PSG at the Stade Francis-Le Ble in what would usually be a routine Ligue One match. However, this encounter is far from routine, as the French champions could give a debut to Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi.

Brest

The home side has drawn their opening two league games this season against Lyon and Rennes. The results were not terrible considering the opposition and their tough start to the campaign continues in this clash.

Brest finished last season just a point above the relegation zone after a winless run of six games at the end of the campaign. Included in that run was a 2-0 home defeat against Friday night’s opponents. Brest have not found wins easily to come by of late in the French top-flight, as they have won just once in their last 12 games in Ligue One.

Home has not brought the home side much comfort either, as they have failed to win any of their last six league games on home soil. To add their woes, Brest has lost the last nine competitive meetings with the visitors, while conceding at least twice in the last seven games.

PSG

Undoubtedly the biggest transfer news of the summer was Lionel Messi’s switch to the French capital. Having trained with his new teammates this week, the 34-year-old could make his bow for Mauricio Pochettino’s team in this clash. He will join the likes of good friend Neymar and highly-rated youngster Kylian Mbappe in what looks like a dream front three for the Parisians this season.

While winning the Champions League looks like the big target for PSG this season, they will also be expected to win the Ligue One title after an extraordinary summer of transfer business.

PSG have kicked off their campaign with a 2-1 win at Troyes and a 4-2 home victory over Strasbourg. Ironically, Messi’s compatriot Mauro Icardi has scored in both of PSG’s opening league encounters. Unfortunately for the former Inter star, he could be the one making way for Messi’s arrival.

However, with both Messi and Neymar low on fitness after their summer exertions at the Copa America, he could continue to start with the high-profile pair making cameo appearances. He may be the odd one out when the superstar pair return to full fitness.

Conclusion

We do believe that PSG will record a win, but the odds of an away win are not great. Instead, we are looking at the goals market. The first bet we are backing is for both teams to score, as PSG are obviously highly dangerous in attack, but the Parisians defence has not looked convincing. For all the talk of Messi’s arrival, we fancy Icardi to be an anytime goalscorer, as he looks likely to get decent minutes due to Neymar and Messi’s fitness conditions.

Our Pick: Mauro Icardi to be an anytime goalscorer at odds 8/13 and/or both teams to score at odds of 4/5. (All odds are taken from Bet365).

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Will we see Lionel Messi in action for PSG for the first time on Friday?