Both giants of French football have their own scores to settles and ambitions to achieve as they meet in this season’s second Clasico at the Parc des Princes
Whenever Paris Saint-Germain and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/France-c2899 and Sunday’s encounter is expected
to be a feisty affair given both side’s recent struggles.
Though both sides are desperate to come out victorious, reasons for getting three points diverge. Paris Saint-Germain need to win all of their remaining Ligue 1 games and hope that leaders Montpellier drop points so that they can win their first Championelle
in almost 18 years.
Olympique de Marseille on the other hand, have forgotten how to win games. Les Phoceens have not managed to win in their last three outings and the game came way too soon for Didier Deschamps’ men.
In recent campaigns, Marseille have regularly challenged for the title while PSG have struggled to qualify for Europe. However, this season has been story of a third dimension for these two teams. Marseille languish in ninth place and mounting a title assault
is the last thing they have in mind. On the other hand, PSG are looking to win the Championelle this time.
Certainly, the balance of power has shifted in the capital club’s favour. Anything less than a win against the enemy in the Clasico would deal a major blow in PSG’s ambition to end their 18-year wait for the Ligue 1 crown.
In recent weeks, PSG have struggled while Montpellier have gained momentum. As things stand, Montpellier lead the standings level on points with PSG. Moreover, La Paillade have a game in hand which makes the task even more difficult for Carlo Ancelotti’s
men.
“We lost a match we didn’t deserve to lose,” says Ancelotti who suffered his first Ligue 1 defeat at the hands of Nancy Lorraine last week.
“However, we are still on course for the title and I am not worried.”
The brave face the former AC Milan manager has put on after the defeat against Lorraine does not hide the fact that PSG have faltered in recent games. inability to keep opponents at bay has cost them dearly and the team must find a way out of this tricky
situation.
Marseille come to the Parc 20 points adrift of their rivals and have not won a single game in their last eight Ligue 1 outings.
After crashing out of the Champions League at the hands of Bayern Munich, Deschamps knows that his team needs to find solutions.
“If I knew what was wrong, it would be easier as we could find solutions, but it’s a worrying end to the season as the squad doesn’t seem to be unified.”
Team News
PSG
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jeremy-Menez-c18345 (ankle) is a major doubt.
Marseille
Loic Remy is likely to start the game despite complaining of a thigh problem in the game against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Charles-c8808 Kabore saw red against OGC Nice
last week and will serve a one-game ban.
Predictions
Despite their recent problems, Paris Saint-Germain will want to do well against a team that has been a hurdle in their way in recent years. PSG lost 3-0 at the Velodrome against Marseille earlier this season and would be out for revenge.
Predicted final score: PSG 1-0 Marseille
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