Ligue 1: PSG Aim to Tame Lyon at Home

Paris Saint-Germain vs Lyon

After opening their Champions League campaign yesterday, the Parisiens are set to take on Lyon over at Parc des Princes which is expected to be packed with Ligue 1 supporters once more.

PSG currently lead the standings as they’ve gone unbeaten in their first five league games for 15 points. On the other hand, Lyon are at seventh with eight points.

This fixture on Sunday will be Lionel Messi’s third game with PSG following his shock departure from Camp Nou weeks ago and he’ll be more than eager to open his goalscoring account for his new club.

We expect the Argentine talisman to be aggressive in hunting goals and he’ll be aided by the likes of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, and Angel Di Maria to create entries in the Ligue 1 2021 highlights reel.

The Parisiens need a shot in the arm after their underwhelming performance in the last time out and they’re keen on venting their ire against their upset-hungry visitors.

Talking Points

PSG are still a work in progress

Mauricio Pochettino aims to lead PSG to another victory in their Ligue 1 campaign — Mauricio Pochettino gestures on the side of the pitch during Ligue 1 match against Brest

Mauricio Pochettino calls for patience when fans from France were left disappointed in their last outing during midweek.

The football’s new galacticos were brought down to earth as they were held by Club Brugge 1-1 to kick off their Champions League campaign.

The Parisiens are installed as the favourites to come out of Group A, but now they find themselves in a trickier position than expected since they’ll play Manchester City and RB Leipzig next.

Ander Herrera gave PSG the lead inside 15 minutes but the Belgian Pro League champions hit back with a brilliant effort from Hans Vanaken near the half-hour mark.

PSG faced a ton of pressure when the momentum swung towards Club Brugge’s favour, but they eventually held on to secure one point.

For this contest, Mauricio Pochettino is expected to field in almost the same starting XI.

They could’ve used Idrissa Gueye and Angel Di Maria against Club Brugge but the two didn’t play due to suspension, although they should be ready to go this Sunday. Meanwhile, Marco Verratti and Sergio Ramos are still nursing injuries.

At the end of the day, the spotlight will continue to focus on the front three of Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe. Once they find their groove together, watch out.

Lyon gunning for an upset

Lyon, meanwhile, had the ideal start to their European campaign when they dispatched Rangers in their first group stage fixture with a score of 2-0.

Karl Toko Ekambi gave Les Gones the lead with his thumping 20-meter effort inside 25 minutes, and Rangers’ woes doubled when James Tavernier recorded an own goal when Islam Slimani’s ball deflected off of his body at the second half.

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Serie A

In Ligue 1, Peter Bosz’s squad have won two straight after beating up Nantes and Strasbourg, and they’re keen on extending their streak by delivering an upset in Paris.

Other than Karl Toko Ekambi, Lyon have talented attacking players too in the form of Lucas Paqueta, Bruno Guimarães, and Houssem Aouar.

The uncompromising centre-half duo of Jerome Boateng and Jason Denayer will be tasked to keep PSG forwards at bay while Anthony Lopes is going to man between the sticks for Lyon.

History

PSG have had so many victims on the domestic front over the years and Lyon are no exception.

Les Gones have only won 26 out of their 84 Ligue 1 matches total against the Parisiens and they’ve only won once in their last 13 games held at Parc des Princes (D2, L10).

Lyon have defeated PSG five times during the QSI era, which is more than any other side since 2011/12 (D3, L12). One of those rare victories happened just last December 2020 via a 1-0 tally.

Tino Kadewere scored the lone goal and Lyon were solid enough on the defencive end, holding PSG to only one shot on target all game.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side has started the season with five straight wins for the third time ever. And the last time that it happened, they eventually came away champions of Ligue 1.