Ligue 1: Paris Saint-Germain pulling clear of Marseille as Nice prepare for visit from Lyon
Ligue 1 has a familiar look at the top of the table. Paris Saint-Germain have created some daylight between themselves and the chasing pack, but there are some huge clashes to look forward to this weekend in France’s top flight. We will preview PSG’s trip to Marseille on Sunday evening, while earlier in the day, Nice host Lyon.
Paris Saint-Germain forced to come from behind in nail biter against Angers
After a rather flat-footed display before the international break against Rennes, Paris Saint-Germain were forced to work hard for the win against a defiant Angers last weekend. After going a goal down at the Parc des Princes, Danilo Pereira brought the Paris giants back on level terms when he flashed home a header.
Kylian Mbappe completed the turnaround with a penalty shot for his fifth goal in all competitions. Mauricio Pochettino fielded an unchanged side from the one that lost against Rennes, but they were more impressive against Angers. PSG are nine points clear at the top of Ligue 1, and they are in good shape heading into big games, including a Champions League clash with RB Leipzig.
Kylian Mbappe ends barren run against Angers
There are probably few things worse than facing an angry Mbappe. The Frenchman had gone four Ligue 1 outings without hitting the target, which was his worst run in nearly three years. But he was electric against Angers. He scored and provided an assist, ensuring he had at least two meaningful goal involvements in a league game for the third time in 2021.
Marseille face defining week in their season
While PSG have been in cruise control from virtually the first kick of the season, Marseille have been going through a bit of a rough patch. They have won only once in their past five outings in France’s top flight, and after PSG, they face Nice in a rearranged fixture, so this feels like a make-or-break week in Marseille’s season.
Marseille v PSG: A tale of past encounters
Although Marseille got their season back on track with a thumping 4-1 victory over Lorient last weekend, there will no doubt be some level of anxiety over facing PSG. Indeed, PSG ran out comfortable 2-0 winners last season, with Mbappe and Mauro Icardi wrapping up the game for the visitors inside the first 24 minutes. Marseille will have to step it up this time around.
Nice in need of pick-me-up after surprise defeat to Troyes
After their stunning run to the Championship title last season, expectations have gone up a couple of notches at Nice. Of course, there was always likely to be a few more bumps along the road in this campaign, but the manner of their 1-0 defeat to Troyes will have caused some concern.
Christophe Galtier’s side had a second loss inflicted upon them, and after falling behind in just the fourth minute, they couldn’t muster a response. And, what is more worrying, is they have ceded a lot of ground to PSG, as they occupy the fourth spot in the table, trailing the league leaders by 11 points.
Lyon, meanwhile, have got their act together after a somewhat pensive start to the campaign. They are undefeated in their past five games, and in their previous outing against Monaco, they put in an assured display as they claimed a 2-0 victory. Lyon are now in the sixth position in Ligue 1 and level on points with Nice.
Nice v Lyon: A look back at recent matches
Lyon will be relishing a trip to Nice this weekend, and if last season’s encounter is anything to go by, it could be easy pickings for them. On their previous visit to Nice 10 months ago, Lyon romped to a 4-1 victory. Memphis Depay, Tino Kadewere, Karl Toko Ekambi, and Houssem Aouar all got on the scoresheet as Lyon put Nice to the sword.
Although Lyon are likely to be bereft of Moussa Dembele and Islam Slimani once again due to the calf and muscular injuries, respectively, Lyon looks like a well-drilled unit under Peter Bosz, and they will fancy their chances of walking away with all three points.
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