Ligue 1: Paris Saint-Germain look to stretch lead at top, Rennes face Lyon
Last weekend produced a flurry of goals in Ligue 1, and there was plenty of late drama too. France’s top flight will be briefly paused for the international break after this weekend, but here are two fixtures you should pay attention to – Bordeaux v Paris Saint-Germain and Rennes v Lyon. We will also check to see how the match odds are shaping up.
Marquinhos and Angel Di Maria perform rescue act for PSG against Lille
Paris Saint-Germain, for the large part, has been a cut above their rivals this campaign. They will be looking to stretch their eight-point cushion at the top of the table when they take on Bordeaux, but last Friday, they nearly came unstuck against last season’s champions Lille. After going a goal down following a Jonathan David strike, PSG were lacking creative flair.
But Angel Di Maria shone, as he set up Marquinhos for the equaliser, before netting the winner two minutes from time. What was perhaps more surprising was Lionel Messi’s inability to take the game by the scruff of the neck. The Argentine – who is yet to score in five Ligue 1 appearances – was substituted at half-time after sustaining an injury.
Kylian Mbappe makes feelings clear about PSG contract
Kylian Mbappe – who missed the victory over Lille with an infection – has faced intense speculation over his future. And according to recent reports, the French forward wants to exercise a clause in his contract whether he ends up staying at PSG or moving to Real Madrid. And Mbappe is determined to compete in the Olympics, which will be staged in Paris in 2024.
Jimmy Briand is rolling back the years for Bordeaux
Bordeaux have a penchant for drama, and they picked up a massive three points last weekend. After trailing 2-0, Jimmy Briand, Bordeaux’s veteran striker, hauled his side back into the game after coming off the bench. Briand scored twice, as Bordeaux claimed a 3-2 win to pull themselves a bit further away from the drop zone.
Bordeaux have to sort out leaky defence
Although Bordeaux are five points clear of the relegation zone, they have looked defensively fragile this campaign. They have conceded 24 goals in 12 Ligue 1 outings, and that has epitomised their problems. Against PSG, you fear they may be picked off if the likes of Di Maria and Mbappe are given half a chance.
Rennes in flying form ahead of Lyon clash
Few would have expected Rennes to perform the way they have done so far in this campaign. When Lyon rolls into town on Sunday, it will be a battle between fifth and sixth. Rennes are unbeaten in their last eight matches in France’s top flight, and they recently recorded five wins on the spin.
Although their rich vein of form was stymied by a 2-2 draw away to Troyes, Rennes have made themselves tough to break down. And Gaetan Laborde – who has fired home seven goals this season – will pose a significant threat to Lyon.
Lyon, meanwhile, have recovered from their early-season slumber, losing just one of their last eight Ligue 1 outings. Although Lyon were far from their best, a 2-1 victory over Lens last weekend was vital. Peter Bosz singled out Anthony Lopes for special praise after his side’s win, as he said: “We also held the result thanks to Antho, who had an excellent game.”
Peter Bosz provides update on Jeff Reine-Adelaide
Having ruptured a cruciate ligament in his knee last February, Jeff Reine-Adelaide isn’t expected to return to action for Lyon for another six weeks, according to Bosz. Naturally, it will be mentally tough on the player, but Lyon, as we have said, are now in the ascendancy.
And Lyon will have fond memories of their trip to Rennes last season when they dragged themselves back into the contest after going 2-0 down. Memphis Depay and Jason Denayer helped rescue a point for Lyon, and this fixture has all the ingredients to be a classic once again.
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