PSG vs Lyon – News and Probable Lineups

In light of the unrest and violent incidents that transpired in França this week, the Ligue 1 matchday eight will wrap up on Sunday at Parc des Princes, where Paris Saint-Germain is set to welcome Lyon.

As they enter this matchup, both teams find themselves level on 14 points, with Lyon ahead on goal difference after defeating Nice 2-1 in their previous game, while the reigning champions bounced back with a 3-1 victory against Strasbourg, positioning them in second place.

Match overview

Paris Saint-Germain, the team many anticipated witnessing this season, has made a strong comeback recently and appears to be a significant contender in their pursuit of both Ligue 1 and Champions League titles.

This surge in form emerges amidst a backdrop of tumultuous protests and riots across the French capital, which have prompted the implementation of curfews.

However, Luis Enrique’s squad has remained focused, managing to clinch seven straight competitive victories, which has propelled them near the top of the domestic standings while also excelling in the Champions League.

What stands out about their recent performances is their convincing wins against two top European clubs, having secured impressive 4-2 victories in the Champions League against Manchester City and Barcelona, respectively.

Nonetheless, the victory over Barcelona came at a price, as several key PSG players sustained injuries during that match, and some of the outlooks appear grim.

With a total of 14 goals in three Champions League games this season, they have matched the highest number recorded by any team during that timeframe, equal to Arsenal’s tally in 2010-11.

Since a 2-1 defeat at home to Mônaco in early September, PSG has dominated their opponents at Parc des Princes, having won their last three competitive matches in the French capital with a cumulative score of 13-3.

They now boast the second-highest number of goals in the league after seven matchdays, with half of those coming from set pieces.

Lyon’s solid performance on matchday seven propelled them to the top of the table on goal difference.

Under the guidance of Paulo Fonseca, they have acquired four points from positions where they were trailing, all while playing at home.

However, Lyon has also faced challenges off the pitch, dealing with student-led protests that resulted in rioting and curfews imposed this week.

While they have commenced the domestic season strongly, they suffered their first defeat in the Europa League this week, losing 3-0 to Hoffenheim on Thursday.

In the League Phase of that competition, OL have conceded a total of six goals, which is one more than they allowed in their first seven Ligue 1 matches.

So far this season, Lyon has maintained clean sheets in two of their three away league fixtures and can avoid consecutive Ligue 1 losses as visitors for the first time since February-March of the previous season on Sunday.

Les Gones also have the chance to secure back-to-back away victories against Les Parisiens in Ligue 1 for the first time this century.

Team News

Unfortunately for PSG, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is expected to have his season cut short due to a torn ACL, while both Ousmane Dembele and Marquinhos will be sidelined for a few weeks because of thigh injuries.

Nuno Mendes will also be out as he recovers from muscle tightness, and Alessandro Longoni’s availability is uncertain due to a slight knock.

Desire Doue has scored in his last three competitive outings, having netted against Strasbourg alongside Dembele and Illia Zabarnyi, while Lucas Hernandez, Vitinha, and Fabian Ruiz also contributed against Barcelona this week along with Doue.

Lyon might be missing Mohamed Ouedraogo and Nicolas Tagliafico, who are both dealing with knee injuries and were unavailable for the Europa League match this week.

Newcomer Keito Nakamura will also be absent as he serves a one-match suspension following his red card against Nice last week.

Last Sunday, Pavel Sulc and Tanner Tessmann scored within minutes of each other to cancel out Elye Wahi’s opening goal for Nice.

Paris Saint-Germain probable starting XI:

Safonov; Zaire-Emery, Zabarnyi, Beraldo, Digne; Fernandez, Vitinha, Ruiz; Akliouche, Torres, Doue

Lyon probable starting XI:

Descamps; Athekame, Mata, Niakhate, Abner; Morton, Tessmann; Nuamah, Nartey, Tolisso; Sulc

Despite the injuries, PSG has a resourceful squad with significant depth, capable of stepping up and performing when needed, and we anticipate that this will lead them to another victory on Sunday.