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The footballing world’s attention is riveted towards the Stadium de Toulouse this Saturday, as Paris Saint-Germain, sans Neymar, takes on Toulouse in what promises to be a Ligue 1 spectacle.

The departure of Neymar to Al-Hilal has undoubtedly left a void in PSG’s attacking lineup. This seismic shift in the team’s attacking dynamic was evident in their recent lacklustre 0-0 draw against Lorient, despite dominating ball possession and shot attempts. However, the potential return of the electric Kylian Mbappe and the integration of new signing Ousmane Dembele might just be the spark PSG requires.

On the opposite end, Toulouse, fresh from a 2-1 victory over Nantes, carries a positive momentum into this game. The squad, under the aegis of Carles Martinez Novell, demonstrated a spirit and determination against Nantes which they will hope to replicate against PSG. Having tasted victory over Nantes twice in recent times, including a commanding win in the Coupe de France final, the team will be buzzing with confidence.

Key Factors in the Clash:

1. Luis Enrique’s Challenge: Having taken over the reins from Christophe Galtier, Enrique faces the tough task of managing a team undergoing significant transition. The recent draw has raised eyebrows regarding his tactical approach. With players like Dembele in the fray and potentially Mbappe, a lot will depend on how he utilises these assets.
2. Toulouse’s Home Advantage: Historically, Toulouse’s performance at home has been a mixed bag. But given their recent form and the spirited performance against Nantes, they’ll be looking to exploit any vulnerability in the PSG lineup. Martinez Novell’s focus will likely be on ensuring consistency, especially when playing on home turf.
3. PSG’s Lineup Transition: Beyond Neymar’s departure, PSG’s roster has seen notable changes. Players like Lucas Hernandez, Milan Skriniar, and Marco Asensio made their debuts against Lorient. It remains to be seen how quickly these new additions can gel with the existing squad.
4. Toulouse’s Strategic Approach: Novell seems to favour the 4-3-3 formation, which offers a balanced attack and defence strategy. With Zakaria Aboukhlal and Gabriel Suazo supporting the prolific Dutch striker Thijs Dallinga, they might just find a way to breach PSG’s defence.
5. The Mbappe Factor: Despite the off-field dramas surrounding his contract, Mbappe’s return to training is a boost for PSG. If selected in the starting XI, he could prove to be the game-changer.

Predictions:

Given the unpredictable nature of football, this clash is not an easy one to call. PSG, despite its recent hiccup, remains a formidable side with a proven track record in Ligue 1. Toulouse, on the other hand, seems to be on the rise, displaying a blend of passion and strategy.

However, considering the overall strength, experience, and the sheer firepower PSG possesses, especially if Mbappe plays, they are slight favourites. We predict a tight contest, but PSG might just edge it with a 2-1 victory.

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