Paris Saint-Germain opened a trophy-lilled season by lifting the UEFA Super Cup on penalties after a 2-2 draw with Tottenham, and they now turn their attention to defending the Ligue 1 title this weekend as they travel to face Nantes on matchday one.
PSG look well placed to extend their domestic dominance. Luis Enrique’s side swept the major honours last season—Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and the Trophee des Champions—and have carried that momentum into 2025/26, where the primary objective remains the Champions League crown. The Spaniard has reiterated that his squad will chase all available titles, a mindset that has reflected the club’s ambition and depth.
Nantes vs PSG odds and preview
Bookmakers list PSG as clear favourites to get their Ligue 1 title defence off to a winning start, though the opening fixture is never straightforward and odds can shift as teams settle into the new campaign. The trip to Nantes represents a fresh challenge for a PSG side accustomed to European responsibility, but one that remains the overwhelming pick to claim three points.
Super Cup hangover or momentum builder?
PSG’s Super Cup win capped a remarkable year for the club, with a dramatic late fightback against Spurs culminating in a stoppage-time winner from Goncalo Ramos after Lee Kang-in’s 85th-minute strike. The victory highlighted PSG’s resilience and late-game sharpness, a theme that could carry into the newly started league campaign. Their season’s clock also features a Champions League final triumph over Inter, which PSG claimed with a 5-0 victory—a result that has reinforced the belief that Enrique has built a team capable of competing on every front.
Tactical and schedule considerations
PSG’s calendar remains demanding as they balance domestic duties with Champions League ambitions. While the squad’s depth is one of their greatest strengths, Enrique has warned that it may take a few weeks for the side to hit peak rhythm after a compact pre-season and late finish to last season. Nantes have a stern test at home, and PSG will look to assert control early, using their firepower at both ends of the pitch.
Predictions and key bets
– PSG to score in both halves is a common betting angle given their attacking balance and Nantes’ vulnerable defensive record in 2024/25.
– Ousmane Dembele has been highlighted as a scorer-to-watch, following a standout 2024/25 campaign and continued involvement in PSG’s forward line.
– PSG’s potential for a productive away performance could hinge on how quickly the team finds its rhythm after the Super Cup win and the start-of-season schedule.
Predicted lineups
Nantes expected lineup: Lopes; Amian, Awaziem, Tati, Duverne; Leroux, Deuff, Lepenant; Guirassy, El-Arabi, Abline
PSG expected lineup: Chevalier; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz; Kvaratskhelia, Dembele, Doue
Where to watch
Location: Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes, France
Date and time: Sunday, August 17, 7.45pm local time
How to watch: Ligue 1 broadcast options available
What this means going forward
For PSG, the aim is to sustain their formidable form and press the title defense with the same ruthlessness that defined last season. For Nantes, it’s a difficult opening test against the reigning champions, but a chance to set the tone for their campaign and challenge PSG’s supremacy at home.
Summary
Paris Saint-Germain arrive in Nantes with momentum from their UEFA Super Cup triumph and a clear objective to defend Ligue 1 while chasing further European glory. The matchup presents a showcase of PSG’s depth and attacking potential, led by players like Dembele, amid a broader narrative of a squad built to chase titles across multiple competitions. The weekend kickoff is a reminder that, despite the obvious strength of the champions, the league season is long and anything can happen as teams acclimate to a new campaign.
Additional notes for readers
– Keep an eye on how PSG balance their line with a focus on both halves of the pitch, especially given their ambition to score consistently in both periods.
– Watch for how Nantes adapts tactically to PSG’s attacking front three and whether they can disrupt the visitors’ rhythm early in the match.