PSG vs Strasbourg Odds & Prediction – Ligue 1 Matchday 2

• PSG hosts Strasbourg on Saturday, August 14th at 3:00 PM EST in their second Ligue 1 matchday, of the 2021/22 season
• PSG kicked off their French campaign last weekend in a 2-1 victory away at Troyes, while Strasbourg fell to Angers 2-0 at home
• Get the odds, our analysis and betting prediction below

PSG made noise this week, not just in Europe, but across the entire world. The French outfit signed Lionel Messi from FC Barcelona in a free transfer that sent shockwaves throughout the spine of world football. The 34 year-old Argentinean forward is one of the most high-profile signings, probably in the history of the sport. In turn, PSG have been the talk of the town this week ahead of their second Ligue 1 match against Strasbourg.

While fans, pundits, coaches and fellow PSG teammates might be excited to see Messi put on that wonderful PSG x Jordan kit, do not expect him to play this weekend. The Barcelona legend only had his first training session on Wednesday and is still getting acquainted with his surroundings.

PSG vs Strasbourg Odds

Odds as of Aug 12 at Draft Kings

However, some news outlets are reporting Messi has asked to be a part of the squad this weekend for the match at the Parc des Princes. In my opinion, a bench cameo is more likely, serving as a display to the loyal PSG Ultras dying to see Messi.

Nonetheless, it really does not matter if PSG has Messi or not. With their improvements this summer, this match is inconceivably hard to see Strasbourg getting anything out of. Strasbourg, managed by Julien Stéphan, struggled to stay above relegation last season, and will struggle to stay below a 3-0 scoreline on Saturday.

Lionel Messi has asked to be part of PSG's squad to face Strasbourg this Saturday, although, given his lack of preseason, a presentation to the Paris fans is more likely. (RMC/ESPN) https://t.co/e7JU2h2A8n

— Get French Football News (@GFFN) August 11, 2021

PSG Squad Still Missing Some Key Components

Firstly, it is important to emphasize just how great of a summer transfer window PSG had. Adding the likes of Gianluigi Donnarumma, Sergio Ramos, Achraf Hakimi, Gini Wijnaldum and Lionel Messi has to be some of the best business in a single window ever.

This accumulation of talent is not a sign of trying to win Ligue 1 either. Last year, PSG actually dropped the Ligue 1 title to Lille, and not much was really made of that downfall. Instead, Mauricio Pochettino and PSG are going after a Champions League trophy more ferociously than ever before. In turn, expect some of these Ligue 1 fixtures to have some rotated sides, keeping their most precious players healthy and energized.

PSG kick off their 2021/22 Ligue 1 campaign with a 2-1 win over Troyes 🇫🇷

The start of a title-winning season? 🏆 pic.twitter.com/r3bCHlJxsO

— Goal (@goal) August 7, 2021

Furthermore, PSG will still be able to put out a great starting eleven this Saturday. Pochettino will be without some key components including Neymar, Angel di Maria, Ramos and Donnarumma as they remain out due to a combination of extended holidays and small injury problems.

Last weekend, PSG ran out with Kylian Mbappe and Mauro Icardi up top in a simple 4-4-2 formation. The wingers set up in the midfield were a bit too stagnant, however, Hakimi and Abdou Diallo made up for that with their activity on the wings. In fact, Hakimi was able to open his account at PSG against Troyes by leveling the game in the 19th minute. As a result , I expect PSG to set up similarly this Saturday against Strasbourg.

Victoria y Gol! Gran comienzo 💪🏾⚽️. Victory and Goal! Great start 💪🏾⚽️ pic.twitter.com/hd38lAROI8

— achrafhakimi (@AchrafHakimi) August 7, 2021

Strasbourg Last Won This H2H in 2017

For Strasbourg, their chances on Saturday look grim. But, two losses to start the Ligue 1 season is something they will surely want to stay clear of. The most important thing for Strasbourg is honestly starting the game quickly and if things do go south, focusing on damage limitation. Last week, we saw PSG give up an early goal to Troyes in the 9th minute, which is something Strasbourg can try to exploit.

PSG vs Strasbourg 2021/22 Ligue 1 Statistics

Historically, this head-to-head match also strongly favors Paris, unsurprisingly. In their nine matches since 2017, PSG managed to win six, draw two, and lose one game.

OFFICIAL: PSG confirm a return to full capacity at Parc des Princes vs. Strasbourg later this week. #PSGRCSA pic.twitter.com/Y22Mzf4Y6A

— Jonathan Johnson (@Jon_LeGossip) August 9, 2021

Finally, the more important standout point is that both games last season, PSG scored four goals, and won by at least a margin of three. Mbappe scored in both of those fixtures, which is another betting trend to keep your eye on. The young French forward has yet to score in two competitive games this year, surely a streak that is due to be broken.

PSG vs Strasbourg Best Bet

Overall, the best bet for this match is the -2.5 spread on PSG with odds of (+130). This bet has great value and holds up compared to how Paris preformed against Strasbourg last season. They are missing some key pieces, but not enough to effect the inevitable outcome of this match.

Pick: PSG -2.5 (+130)