Two days ago, PSG and Monaco met up in what fans and general Ligue 1 followers hoped would be an exciting clash. Although Les Parisiens are currently enjoying a nine point lead over last season's runners' up--the very same amount that divided these two at the end of the most recent campaign--it was still supposed to be an interesting one, especially given Monaco's recent uptick in form during the month of February.
The hosts certainly employed the same tactics that earned them a shock, yet well-deserved 3-1 win over Arsenal during their round of 16 Champions League first leg: to absorb as much pressure as possible and then hit back during a counter-attack. However, against PSG, they at times appeared to have over-exerted themselves from the game in London and their opponents were perfectly content to pass the ball about aimlessly for large spells of the game. All in all, this effectively led to a 0-0 snooze-fest that viewers will certainly hope to avoid this time around.
Unlike in the league, in this Coupe de France quarter-final match, there actually has to be a winner, but as to how long it takes to find it will be yet to be seen. One notable absence from this game will be Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and although the big Swede has not been as sharp as he has been in recent years, his impact on the side is still noteworthy. This will give Edinson Cavani yet another opportunity to lead the line and PSG supporters will hope that he shows the same kind of attacking verve that he did during their 1-1 draw with Chelsea recently.
In addition to the suspended Ibrahimovic, the hosts will have to do without quartet Thiago Motta, Lucas Moura, Serge Aurier, and Yohan Cabaye due to injuries.
Monaco themselves are no stranger to injuries and suspensions. Yet, Leandro Jardim's men have proven to be quite adaptable as he has had to deploy as many as ten different defensive options over the course of the second half of the season. The visitors have as many as five players unavailable - Wallace and Aymen Abdennour are banned whilst Ricardo Carvalho, Andrea Raggi, and Tiemoue Bakayoko are all on the treatment table.
In the league, PSG have scored nearly double the amount - 46 vs. 26 - the goals that Monaco have scored. However, their upcoming opponents have conceded just one goal in their last 11 league games and four in their past 19 matches across all competitions. Interestingly, the two sides have been unable to find a way past each other in their last six meetings.
In fact, one will have to go back to a September 2008 Coupe de la Ligue clash to see the last time PSG beat Monaco in regulation time, as the 2010 Coupe de France final was finally settled in favour of Les Parisiens in extra time.
At the end of 90 minutes (or more), one of these two sides will be en route to the semi-finals. You will have to tune in to find out who it will be!
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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