LIVE streaming: AS Monaco vs PSG on Feb 9, 2014 - Where to watch

Topics: Live Stream, TV Schedules, Live Scores, PSG, Monaco, Ligue 1

It will be a battle between the top two teams in the Ligue 1 as Monaco welcome Paris Saint Germain to the Stade Louis II.

Preview: Claudio Ranieri and co out to prove title credentials

A clash which has been termed as “El Cashio” owing to the immeasurable cash vaults of both the clubs, could have a major impact on the title race this season. Second place Monaco are just five points adrift of defending champions PSG and could close the gap to two points if they manage to notch all three points in what is expected to be a scintillating encounter.

However prior to the match coach Claudio Ranieri has recognised the brilliance of Laurent Blanc’s team and has claimed that the league leaders are head and shoulders above his side in terms of quality.

"We will fight for victory, but it is important to tell the truth. PSG are on another level," the Italian told reporters.

"PSG can win playing at 80 per cent, we must be at 120% to win. This is a great game to play, a good opportunity to gauge our level. The result is almost secondary."

The former Chelsea coach continued playing mind games claiming that a defeat will not hurt his side since a league title is not one of their targets for the season.

"For us, Monaco-PSG is a friendly game," he said. "Monaco will try to win, but you have to acknowledge the truth.

"If we fail, we will be eight points behind PSG, but it doesn’t matter as we are not running for the title."

Les Rouge et Blanc will be less confident of their chances with marquee signing Falcao ruled out for the entire season. The Colombian cancelled out Zlatan Ibrahimovic's opener last time the two sides met earlier in the season with the match ending in a 1-1 draw, but in the absence of the former Porto striker PSG can definitely be considered favourites for the tie.

Les Parisiens on the other hand will be hoping to further extend their lead on the top as they chase a second successive league title. PSG have lost just once this season in the league, which was back in December when Blanc’s men suffered a 2-0 loss at the hands of Evian. Despite their good form which has seen them lose only once in their last five matches, PSG will have to produce a champions’ worthy performance with Monaco having lost just once at their home this season. The defeat came at the hands of Valenciennes, with Evian and Toulouse also having managed to pull off upsets in the principality.

With Falcao already ruled out of the clash, PSG will also have to do without their summer signing Edinson Cavani who will miss the match due to a thigh injury he suffered during a 2-0 win over Bordeaux.

However with their talismanic striker Ibrahimovic in top form, PSG should not miss the Uruguayan much. The incredible Swede has already scored 31 goals this season and will be raring to improve his tally in tonight’s clash. The former Barcelona man scored a brace as PSG booked a place in the final of the Coupe de la Ligue. For PSG to record their first win over Monaco since 2007, they will need an inspirational performance from their top scorer.

Both Adrien Rabiot (knee) and Christophe Jallet (back) have been ruled out of the match for PSG but Ibrahimovic is expected to feature despite back problems.

Sunday’s clash could also see Dimitar Berbatov make his Monaco debut. The former Tottenham man sealed a switch to the French side last month and will be hoping to prove his worth in the absence of Falcao.

However defender Aymen Abdennour (thigh) has been sidelined but Jeremy Toulalan returns from suspension and Ricardo Carvalho is also available for selection after recovering from illness.