Lyonvs.PSG

Les Gones have recorded back-to-back triumphs following a troubling start to February, whereas Les Parisiens are well on course to continue their domestic dominance.

Match preview

After a modest sixth-placed finish in Ligue 1 during the 2023-24 campaign - one in which they secured Europa League football - Lyon are aiming to go one better this time around, earning progression into next season's Champions League via a respectable standing in the top flight of France.

A 3-2 defeat at the South Coast base of Marseille on February 2 threatened to derail Les Gones' hopes of a top-four finish, however Sunday's hosts have since responded in remarkable fashion, recording back-to-back wins over Reims and bottom side Montpellier HSC by an aggregate scoreline of 8-1.

That being said, Lyon made relatively hard work of the division's whipping boys last weekend at Stade de la Mosson-Mondial 98 during an even first period, however second-half strikes from Ernest Nuamah, Corentin Tolisso and Alexandre Lacazette allowed the visitors to finish the contest as 4-1 victors.

Losing just two of their 10 matches at Groupama Stadium in Ligue 1 this term, Paulo Fonseca's new side should be quietly confident of springing a surprise against elite opposition this weekend, with Les Gones' most recent home defeat arriving all the way back in October versus Besiktas in the Europa League.

Without the superstar names such as Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar stealing the spotlight in the French capital, Luis Enrique is building a collective to be reckoned with at Paris Saint-Germain, who waltzed into the last 16 of the Champions League after battering Brest 7-0 in the second leg of their knockout phase playoff.

Les Parisiens are currently basking in the glory of a seven-game winning streak across Ligue 1, Coupe de France and the Champions League, meaning that Sunday's visitors are in a great position to secure their fourth straight domestic crown, emulating the recent achievements of Manchester City in the Premier League.

Dropping just 10 points so far as they aim to retain possession of the French crown, PSG are sitting pretty at the very summit of the Ligue 1 standings ahead of Sunday's trip to Groupama Stadium, a sizeable 10 points better off than second-placed Marseille, who have slipped away in the title race over the past month.

With 16-goal striker Ousmane Dembele putting on a show this campaign as he battles for the division's Golden Boot, Les Parisiens showed no signs of complacency during the winter transfer window, with top-class winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia joining from Napoli for around £60m.

Lyon Ligue 1 form:

L

D

D

L

W

W

Lyon form (all competitions):

D

D

D

L

W

W

Paris Saint-Germain Ligue 1 form:

W

W

D

W

W

W

Paris Saint-Germain form (all competitions):

W

W

W

W

W

W

Team News

Lyon have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the daunting arrival of PSG on Sunday, meaning that the hosts could name an unchanged side from the one which smashed Montpellier last time out.

There are a number of experienced operators in the XI of Les Gones as they strive for Champions League qualification, including former Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic and World Cup winner Nicolas Tagliafico.

PSG remain without the services of youngster Warren Zaire-Emery, who is expected back in action at the end of February from an ankle injury.

Adding to the list of promising players in the medical room of Les Parisiens, left winger Ibrahim Mbaye is also sidelined due to an ankle problem.

After bagging a goal and an assist during the Champions League smashing of Brest earlier in the week, Bradley Barcola should retain his spot in a menacing-looking front three.

Lyon possible starting lineup:

Perri; Kumbedi, Mata, Niakhate, Tagliafico; Matic, Tessmann, Cherki, Tolisso, Nuamah; Mikautadze

Paris Saint-Germain possible starting lineup:

Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz; Kvaratskhelia, Barcola, Dembele

We say: Lyon 0-2 Paris Saint-Germain

Dispatching opponents with ease in recent weeks, PSG should be supremely confident of continuing that trend against Lyon on Sunday night.

Written by

Carter White

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