Paris Saint-Germain will host Lyon at the Parc des Princes on Sunday evening.
Team Form
PSG
In April 2021, PSG suffered a 1-0 loss to Galtier’s Lille. However, they remained unbeaten in domestic games at home for almost two years until Rennes defeated them 2-1 on March 19.
Karl Toko Ekambi and former PSG player Arnaud Kalimuendo were the heroes for Rennes as they ended PSG’s impressive 35-match run without defeat at the Parc des Princes in Ligue 1.
Earlier this year, PSG faced a couple of fleeting threats to their crown. Despite this, Galtier’s PSG sits comfortably seven points better off than second-placed Marseille.
Additionally, PSG has not made any other commitments between now and the end of May, thanks to their familiar early exit from the Champions League.
PSG’s unbeaten home streak was already under threat even before Rennes emerged victorious. They have conceded at least twice in their last three Ligue 1 games at the Parc des Princes. PSG has only managed one clean sheet in their last twelve games across all competitions.
PSG Ligue 1 Form: W W W W L
Lyon
During March, Laurent Blanc’s mid-table team showed a solid yet unspectacular performance, securing only three points from their three games against Lorient, Lille, and Nantes.
Lyon has set their sights on winning the Coupe de France, with their semi-final against Nantes scheduled for April 5. If they can beat Nantes and win against Toulouse or Annecy in the final, they will be favorites to lift the trophy.
Lyon hopes to extend their unbeaten run in the top flight to five matches after suffering a humiliating 2-1 loss to Auxerre in February.
Adding the Coupe de France trophy to their cabinet would also secure a spot for them in the Europa League group stages. However, their current priority is their top-flight endeavors.
Lyon Ligue 1 Form: L W D D D
Squad Report
PSG
PSG manager, Galtier still faces the absence of long-term injured players Neymar (ankle) and Presnel Kimpembe (Achilles) as they recover.
Achraf Hakimi (muscle) returned to action for Morocco during the international break. Meanwhile, Marquinhos also has a good chance of making his comeback from a similar injury.
Both Ramos and Mukiele are currently struggling with calf injuries. While Ramos might have a slight chance of returning for PSG’s upcoming match against Lyon, Mukiele is expected to continue his recovery on the sidelines.
Lyon
Lyon’s injury concerns are minimal as they only have two players in their treatment room: Chelsea loanee Malo Gusto, who is struggling with a hamstring issue, and Anthony Lopes, who is recovering from a finger injury.
However, Lopes has recently resumed training and might be able to make himself available for selection soon.
Paris Saint-Germain’s expected starting lineup:
Donnarumma; Marquinhos, Pereira, Bernat; Hakimi, Verratti, Vitinha, Ruiz, Mendes; Messi, Mbappe
Lyon’s expected starting lineup:
Lopes; Kumbedi, Lovren, Lukeba, Tagliafico; Lepenant, Tolisso, Caqueret; Barcola, Lacazette, Cherki
Head to Head
PSG has an excellent recent track record against Lyon, as they have emerged victorious in 23 out of the last 37 matches played between the two teams. In contrast, Lyon has only secured seven wins during this period.
Time, Date & Venue
Date: Sunday, April 2
Time: 06:45 pm, UTC
Venue: Parc des Princes Stadium, Paris
Prediction
While PSG’s recent loss to Rennes was concerning, it is important to note that they were dealing with a depleted defense, which is different in their upcoming match.
With a fully-fit squad, Galtier’s side is expected to play to their strengths and secure all three points against Lyon.
