One by one, all of Europe's "Big 5" leagues are returning to action, and Ligue 1 will join the Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A in getting back to business as Paris Saint-Germain take on Bastia on Friday evening. Unlike the aforementioned three leagues, the title race in France appears to be pretty much already decided, but with 19 games remaining, anything can happen between now and May as Les Parisiens hope to make sure that the trophy remains in Paris this May.
PSG
Simply put, PSG's stats are nothing short of impressive: 51 points, 16 wins, three draws, and more significant, zero losses. Not surprisingly, boasting stars like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Edinson Cavani, and Angel Di Maria, Les Parisiens also have the best offense in the league, with a whopping 48 scored so far in their first 19 games. Additionally, with a back-line including top class talent like Thiago Silva and young German goalkeeper Kevin Trapp, it's again Laurent Blanc's men with the meanest defense, with just a measly nine conceded, or less than one goal every two games.
So, has Ligue 1 title race already decided? Some may say it indeed is a foregone conclusion. PSG currently enjoy a massive 19-point lead over Monaco and have easily brushed aside them plus those viewed as potential title contenders, including Lille, Marseille, and Lyon. Only three teams have been able to face the capital juggernaut and stop them from clinching three points: Bordeaux, Reims, and Angers, who have been indeed Ligue 1's surprise package this season.
Given this, as they chase what will be a historic fourth straight title, another opportunity has arisen for PSG to break another record: to become the first team to complete a campaign completed. Back in the 1994/1995 season, FC Nantes came close, but were thwarted by Strasbourg in April, about one month before that term ended. Whilst there are many more games remaining, it's certainly not outside the realm of possibility, and Bastia, who have had their struggles this campaign, would love nothing but to spoil PSG's chances at making history by handing the hosts what would only be their second loss (across all competitions) this upcoming Friday.
With the exception of possibly Salvatore Sirigu and Javier Pastore, Blanc so far appears to have most of his men available for selection, which will make the visitors upcoming task just even more daunting.
Bastia
As noted previously, PSG's upcoming opponents have endured a torrid time thus far this season. Bastia currently sit in a precarious 16th place, with their 22 total points seeing them just three points ahead of Guingamp who occupy one of the dreaded relegation spots. Still, despite their woes, PSG fans will certainly want to be wary of the Corsican club, especially if one recalls what happened nearly exactly a year ago.
On January 10, 2015, Bastia shocked Les Parisiens by defeating them 4-2. It was the first time since February 5, 2003 since that the Turchini (the Blues) had managed to beat Les Parisiens, and they would ultimately go on to finish the 2014/2015 Ligue 1 campaign in 12th place. Prior to that, save for a 0-0 draw on August 2, 2003, they had lost all nine of their meetings across all competitions, but it appears that for all intents and purposes Ghislain Printant's men Lady Luck does not look to be on their side this time around.
For starters, Bastia have a horrible record away from home this season. Out of their nine losses thus far, five have happened on the road; in fact, they have yet to win a single game, with the other four matches finishing as draws, which is certainly a huge reason why, despite having done decently enough on home turf they find themselves in an uncomfortable position at the midway point of this campaign.
However, Printant could be welcoming back a host of players, with Mathieu Paybernes, Julian Palmieri, and Yannick Cahuzac all returning after serving their respective bans. Additionally, injured trio Mehdi Mostefa, Francois Kamano, and Florian Marange appear to have recovered from their respective issues and are in contention for selection.
Unfortunately for the hosts, despite their impressive win last January, the odds appear to be truly stacked against them in a true David vs. Goliath clash. Will they be able to stage yet another unlikely upset to haul themselves out of the danger zone? Or will PSG stream-roll past them as they continue to simply cruise towards another league title?
Which channel is broadcasting PSG vs Bastia on TV or Online?
Can PSG become the first Ligue 1 side to finish a season unbeaten? Well, if you are in Paris, you may be fortunate to watch Les Parisiens hope to take one step closer to making history at the Parc des Princes. If not - like most fans - no worries. LiveSoccerTV has all the info you need to make sure you do not miss out on the action.
Here are some viewing options via TV, phone, tablet, or computer if you reside in the following countries:
- In the USA at 14.30 EST on: fuboTV, beIN Sports USA, beIN Sports en Español, beIN SPORTS CONNECT U.S.A.
- In France at 20.30 CET on: Ligue 1 Orange App, beIN Sports 1
- In the UK at 19.30 GMT on: BT Sport 2, BT Sport Live Streaming
- In Canada at 14.30 ET on: beIN SPORTS CONNECT Canada, beIN Sports Canada, beIN Sports en Español
Live elsewhere? Check out our special PSG vs Bastia broadcast page for viewing times and selections for wherever you call home.
*Note: Live broadcast data is subject to change*
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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