PSG and Lyon meet at Parc des Princes on Monday night in a top-of-the-table Ligue 1 clash, with both sides level on 14 points.
PSG have regained form in recent weeks, which has provided proof that they look capable of defending both their Ligue 1 and UEFA Champions League titles. Luis Enrique’s side have won seven consecutive competitive matches and sit near the top of the domestic table while leading the Champions League standings.
The Parisians played out an entertaining game earlier this week, beating Barcelona 4-2 in the Champions League. On the other hand, in their European endeavours, PSG have scored 14 goals in three European matches this season.
Les Parisiens have also been dominant at Parc des Princes since their 2-1 defeat to AS Monaco in early September. They have won their last three competitive matches at home by an aggregate score of 13-3, while their 14 domestic goals are the second-highest total in Ligue 1 after seven matchdays.
Lyon have made an excellent start to the Ligue 1 season and moved to the top of the table on goal difference after beating Nice 2-1 last weekend, although those standings have changed since considering other results. Paulo Fonseca’s side have shown resilience, having recovered four points from losing positions domestically this season.
The visitors have been solid defensively in the league, conceding only five goals in seven matches, while they have also kept clean sheets in two of their three away fixtures. Fonseca will certainly want to aim to avoid consecutive league defeats on the road for the first time since February-March last season.
However, Lyon suffered a setback in Europe on Thursday, losing 3-0 to Hoffenheim. They have now conceded six goals in the Europa League league phase, one more than they have allowed in Ligue 1, and will need to improve defensively if they are to take anything from Paris.
PSG have several injury concerns ahead of the match. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is expected to miss the remainder of the season after tearing his ACL, while Ousmane Dembele and Marquinhos are sidelined for a few weeks with thigh injuries.
Nuno Mendes is also unavailable as he recovers from muscle tightness, while Alessandro Longoni is doubtful due to a knock. Luis Enrique will need to reshuffle his defence and attack accordingly, meaning a host of rotations is likely.
Desire Doue has scored in each of his last three competitive matches and is expected to feature prominently. Lucas Hernandez, Vitinha, and Fabian Ruiz scored against Barcelona, with Doue also on the scoresheet in that match. Apart from Hernandez, the rest of the quartet should start against Lyon, with Lucas Digne deputising at left-back. Meanwhile, Dro Fernandez should join Vitinha and Ruiz in the middle of the park.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Safonov; Zaire-Emery, Zabarnyi, Beraldo, Digne; Fernandez, Vitinha, Ruiz; Akliouche, Torres, Doue
Lyon could be without Mohamed Ouedraogo and Nicolas Tagliafico, who are both dealing with knee injuries and missed the Europa League defeat to Hoffenheim. Keito Nakamura is also unavailable as he serves a one-match suspension following his red card against Nice.
Pavel Sulc and Tanner Tessmann scored within minutes of each other against Nice, helping Lyon secure an important victory, and both players are expected to start in their midfield and attacking positions respectively. Tyler Morton will continue to assume a key midfield role, while Corentin Tolisso will play a slightly advanced role.
Paulo Fonseca is likely to use a compact defensive setup and look to frustrate PSG. Lyon may also rely on quick transitions through Ernest Nuamah and Kail Boudache, with Tolisso providing experience in a more attacking midfield position while Sulc leads the line.
Probable lineup (4-2-3-1): Descamps; Athekame, Mata, Niakhate, Abner; Morton, Tessmann; Nuamah, Tolisso, Boudache; Sulc
Doue has been in excellent form for PSG, scoring in each of his last three competitive matches. His confidence and attacking threat could be crucial against a Lyon side that has been difficult to break down domestically.
The young Frenchman can create chances, press from the front and provide a direct goal threat. With Kvaratskhelia and Dembele sidelined, PSG will rely even more on Doue’s creativity. His performance could be decisive in a match between the top two teams in Ligue 1.
PSG are the favourites despite their injury concerns, given their depth, home form and recent momentum. They have been scoring freely and should create enough opportunities to trouble Lyon’s defence.
Lyon have been resilient this season and will not make things easy for the champions. Their defensive record away from home suggests they can frustrate PSG for long periods, although the hosts’ attacking quality should eventually tell, leading to a 2-1 win for Luis Enrique and his charges.
