Ligue 1: Paris Saint-Germain looking to get back to winning ways, Lyon host Lens
Last weekend threw up some fascinating clashes, and Nice’s thrilling 3-2 win over Lyon was the pick of the games. Nice will face Marseille in their rearranged fixture in midweek, but we will focus our attention on two weekend games — Paris Saint-Germain v Lille, and Lyon v RC Lens. We will also divulge the latest match odds.
Paris Saint-Germain fire rare blank in draw against Marseille
Paris Saint-Germain have barely put a foot wrong this season, but they will have been disappointed to come away from their Le Classique encounter with Marseille with a draw. The French giants created plenty of chances, especially in the first-half, but they were unable to take them. However, they managed to clinch a draw, playing a chunk of the game with 10 men.
The drama came in the second half when Marco Verratti was forced off through injury. And when Achraf Hakimi was sent off with just over half an hour remaining of normal time remaining, PSG had to withstand an onslaught from Marseille. The home crowd was vociferous, but PSG kept their cool, and they remain seven points clear at the top of the table.
Mauricio Pochettino happy with PSG’s character after Marseille draw
There were some memorable moments in Le Classique, particularly when Lionel Messi was chased around the pitch by a fan during a counter-attack before the supporter was accosted by stewards. And Mauricio Pochettino had no qualms with the way his side acquitted themselves. He said: “The team demonstrated solidarity, character, and good organisation. I am happy with that.”
PSG still waiting for Lionel Messi to turn on the style
PSG will be hoping that Lionel Messi catches fire soon. Although the Argentine bagged a double in the 3-2 Champions League victory over RB Leipzig last week, he’s still awaiting his first Ligue 1 goal in PSG colours. Perhaps it could arrive this weekend against Lille.
PSG v Lille: A clash between two sides with contrasting fortunes
While PSG have tightened their grip on top spot in Ligue 1, Lille’s decline has been surprising. Lille — who stormed to an unlikely title triumph last season — are ensconced in mid-table. But Lille will have fond memories of their previous visit to the Parc des Princes back in April when they clinched a 1-0 victory.
Lyon’s resurgence checked by Nice
Lyon — after a rather pensive start to the season — looked to have picked things up recently. They had enjoyed three wins from four Ligue 1 outings, but their recent resurgence was checked by Nice last Sunday, as they threw away a two-goal lead to crash to a 3-2 defeat.
Karl Toko Ekambi and Houssem Aouar looked to have provided the platform for victory, but the game turned on its head in the final 10 minutes. Matters weren’t helped for Lyon when Tino Kadewere was sent off in the closing stages, but Lyon will look to put things right this weekend against Lens.
Lens, meanwhile, continue to go from strength to strength. They consolidated second spot in Ligue 1 with a 4-1 thrashing of RC Metz last weekend. Wesley Said repaid manager Franck Haise’s faith in him as he popped up with a double, and they made light work of Metz, who have now conceded in each of their past 16 Ligue 1 games.
Lyon v Lens: A look back on past encounters
Lyon have dominated the head-to-head record with Lens, with 16 wins from their 26 meetings. Last season, Lyon claimed a 3-2 victory at home to Lens, with a Memphis Depay double helping to secure all three points. Lyon have a bounty of attacking riches, however, against Nice, they were rather sloppy in certain areas of the pitch.
Lens, meanwhile, have been undaunted by what they have come up against this season, and they have taken everything in their stride. If they can frustrate Lyon in the first 20 minutes, then they may be able to pick up gaps on the pitch, and pinch a win. Lyon v Lens will be worth tuning in for!
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