Despite the substantial difference in the standings between the leader Paris Saint-Germain, and the LOSC only tenth, there will be a strong symbolic stake during this meeting between the last two Champions of France. The Mastiffs remain on a success during their last trip to the Parc des Princes on April 3, 2021 (0-1, 31st day of Ligue 1). The meeting had at the time allowed the Lille to advance by 3 points the PSG, and to take an ascendant to go to seek their title of Ligue 1. The match had been very bitterly disputed, with ten yellow cards and two expulsions, for Neymar and Tiago Djaló. Today, the forces seem to be more than reversed, and Lille will have to achieve a huge performance to repeat such a result.
The Parisian replacements will be able to show themselves
For this match, Paris Saint-Germain must face a significant wave of absentees. Besides Sergio Ramos or Leandro Paredes absent for many weeks, other elements will miss the meeting. Victim of an ENT infection, Kylian Mbappé is forfeited. In a press conference this Thursday, Mauricio Pochettino was not reassuring about the state of form of Lionel Messi. Added to this is the recurring poor form of Neymar since the start of the season, and the injury of Marco Verratti absent for about four weeks. Therefore, several players used to the role of replacement such as Mauro Icardi or Julian Draxler could start and thus have the opportunity to show themselves. Even if the PSG remains big favorite of the meeting, it will be necessary to compensate for the prejudicial absence of Kylian Mbappé. The Frenchman practically alone carries the Parisian attack, for more than a year now.
Less efficient Lille executives
Apart from Mike Maignan who went to AC Milan, the strength of the French Champion has changed little. No departure is to be noted in the offensive sector. England’s Angel Gomes arrived from Boavista, but still hasn’t scored a goal or provided an assist in ten appearances. The mastiffs attackers are much less successful this season. Burak Yilmaz is no longer as efficient and connects the championship and Champions League meetings without resting. Jonathan Ikoné and Jonathan Bamba post disappointing performances. Only Jonathan David, author of seven goals in fifteen games, remains on his momentum from last season. Behind José Fonte and Sven Botman are less imperial. In the middle, Renato Sanches shows irregularity. Despite the major absences on the Parisian side, Lille will have to show a much better face than the one presented for three months.
Paris Saint-Germain have won only one of their last four confrontations against LOSC (3-0 on March 17, 2021 in the round of 16 of the Coupe de France), and remain on a setback during the Champions Trophy ( 1-0 on August 1, 2021). Essentially deprived of its offensive leader Kylian Mbappé, and possibly Lionel Messi at kickoff, the capital club will have to rely on its second knives. PSG have lost a single point at home this season in Ligue 1. For their part, Lille have won only one of their last six trips to the league.
Elie Rollé
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