Live Blog: Paris Saint-Germain vs. AS Saint-Etienne

At long last, Unai Emery's Paris Saint-Germain get their first big test of the season ahead of September's UEFA Champions League gauntlet: a Friday night clash with Oscar Garcia's AS Saint-Etienne at Le Parc des Princes. Neymar Santos Jr. and friends are expected to put on a show but Saint-Etienne's unbeated form means that PSG have a point to prove in order to avoid an embarassing upset. Recent talk of AS Monaco's Kylian Mbappe joining PSG have accelerated, with the boy wonder on the verge on signing with the Parisians for a blockbuster deal that will trigger the exodus of many key players as PSG look to balance the books in the style of Financial Fair Play. "Saint-Etienne have won all three matches for this season," said Emery ahead of the contest. "Their coach, Oscar Garcia, has had a great career as a player and a coach in Spain. He loves to have possession and apply heavy pressing as soon as it's lost. He really puts his mark on his team, who have turned in very good performances and who already have nine points. It's a first important test for us against Saint-Etienne. I hope that all the Paris Saint-Germain and Saint-Etienne fans are treated to a great match on Friday at the Parc des Princes. "For the last two seasons, Javier Pastore has injuries that haven't allowed him to play regularly. For me, the most important thing is that he be ready to be in the team. Beyond that, there is competition in the squad and everyone's performances count. Since the beginning of the season, he has played in every match either as a starter or a substitute. He can play in the middle or on a flank. He brings us a lot in attack but he knows he also needs to help in terms of winning the ball back. He has his place in the team, for sure. He could be up for a spot in midfield given that Marco Verratti will be suspended. We also have Lo Celso and Nkunku who can play in that position. "This month is special as we're only playing one match a week - five official matches