Olympique Lyonnais will bid to halt a run of disappointing early Ligue 1 form in Sunday’s home match against Paris Saint-Germain at Groupama Stadium.
Paris Saint-Germain’s last Ligue 1 match saw them triumph for the first time in the league this season 3-1 over Lens at home to extend their unbeaten start to the league campaign to three (W1 D2 L0), putting the visitors in eighth spot on five points through three matches.
Olympique Lyonnais are in 16th place on one point after three matches. Lyon earned a point in their last Ligue 1 match, drawing 0-0 at Allianz Riviera against Nice, extending their winless season start to three (W0 D1 L2).
The previous Ligue 1 fixture between the clubs saw Lyon triumph 1-0 at Parc des Princes last season. Bradley Barcola scored les Gones’ only goal in the 56th minute.
Kylian Mbappé has been the most prolific player for PSG, netting on three occasions, including one match-opening goal. The striker is tied for second in the league’s scoring charts in 2023/2024.
Alexandre Lacazette and Nicolás Tagliafico have caught the eye for Lyon this season. The duo are the team’s joint top scorers with one goal.
Hosts Lyon lost their only previous Ligue 1 contest on home soil this season. PSG played out a draw in their only prior league contest away from home this season. PSG currently find themselves on an eight-match away unbeaten streak (W6 D2 L0). The last time they were beaten away was February 11 against Monaco.
In three league matches this season, Lyon have one draw and two losses. PSG, meanwhile, have one win and two draws.
Lyon will remain without talisman and top scorer Alexandre Lacazette after his straight red card against Montpellier two weeks ago.
Promising youngster Bradley Barcola has also left the club, joining PSG, but a debut against his former club may be unlikely.
Goalkeeper Anthony Lopes is also absent, while Dejan Lovren continues to nurse a muscle injury.
Thirty-six-year-old Remy Riou is set to deputise for Lopes once again, while Lovren’s Croatian compatriot Duje Caleta-Car should start in the centre of defence in his absence.
PSG have a number of injury issues to contend with, as new signings Kang-in Lee and Goncalo Ramos both missed the win over Lens last week.
Defensive trio Presnel Kimpembe, Nuno Mendes, and Nordi Mukiele have all missed the start of the season and remain out, while a muscle injury also keeps Juan Bernat on the sidelines.
Enrique used Marco Asensio in a central role for the win over Lens, and his faith was repaid with a goal, so the Spaniard could start in the same role here, flanked by Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele.
Lyon possible starting lineup:
Riou; Mata, Diomande, Caleta-Car, Tagliafico; Tolisso, Lepenant, Caqueret; Nuamah, Kadewere, Cherki
Paris Saint-Germain possible starting lineup:
Donnarumma, Hakimi, Marquinhos, Skriniar, Hernandez; Zaire-Emery, Ugarte, Vitinha; Dembele, Asensio, Mbappe
We say: Lyon 0-2 Paris Saint-Germain
PSG have won six of their last eight Ligue 1 away matches, scoring two or more on each occasion while also drawing the other two, so will come in as big favourites.
Blanc will not want to enter the international break with his side still in the relegation zone, but the task may be too much for a side very much out of form.
