Paris Saint-Germain return from their winter break on Monday when they travel to Montpellier HSC for a Coupe de France third-round match.

Montpellier, the last side other than the capital outfit to win the domestic title were PSG's final opponents before Ligue 1 went on their Christmas holidays.

The 0-0 stalemate at Parc des Princes was a third game in four in which Laurent Blanc's side had failed to win and left them third in the standings.

It was an eighth draw of the season for the Parisians, which is the primary reason that they trail leaders Marseille by three points at the halfway point of the season.

Montpellier will be familiar with their predicament, having shared the points in 18 of their 38 league games last season.

They have proven to be more open this campaign and an equal amount of wins and defeats during the back half of 2014 saw them close the year 10th in the table.

Neither Blanc nor opposite number Rolland Courbis will have to worry about rotating fatigued squads after two weeks without a fixture and so are likely to name their strongest available sides.

Lucas Barrios will be part of the home forward line at Stade de la Mosson and will be hoping to improve on his two goals in 12 starts, while Newcastle United loanee Sylvain Marveaux should start.

The visitors have fitness doubts over Javier Pastore and Ezequiel Lavezzi, who are struggling with calf and knee injuries respectively, while Adrien Rabiot and Yohan Cabaye are unlikely to feature amid rumours of potential January exits.

Despite being left out of their warm-weather training camp, Edinson Cavani is expected to start up front alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who may have a point to prove after Inter Milan's Mauro Icardi accused him of being past his best.

Montpellier have lost only two of their last nine matches against PSG in all competitions.

Montpellier:

Recent form: WDLWDD

Possible starting lineup: Ligali; El Kaoutari, Dabo, Hilton, Congre; Saihi, Martin, Marveaux, Mounier; Sanson, Barrios

PSG:

Recent form: DWLLWD

Possible starting lineup: Sirigu; Van Der Wiel, Luiz, Silva, Maxwell; Verratti, Matuidi, Motta; Cavani, Lucas, Ibrahimovic

Sports Mole says: 1-1