After being knocked out of the Coupe de France, Paris Saint-Germain would be looking to keep their Championnat hopes alive when they host Bordeaux at the Parc des Princes this Sunday
Parc des Princes, Paris, will see Paris Saint-Germain play host to FC Girondins de Bordeaux in round 29 of the 2011/2012 Ligue1 Championnat.
Following their ousting of the Coupe de France in the midweek against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Olympique-Lyonnais-c40130, Paris Saint-Germain’s only hope for silverware this season remains in the league and Carlo Ancelotti’s men would be looking to regain their lead over Montpellier Herault.
The defeat at the hands of Lyon was PSG’s first under Carlo Ancelotti. In that game, PSG surrendered a one-goal lead to eventually lose out 3-1 as Les Gones marched into the semifinals of the Coupe de France.
On Saturday, Montpellier beat AS Saint-Etienne 1-0 to go on top of the Ligue 1 standings provisionally. The win means that pressure is on PSG to win against a Bordeaux side that has a good record at the Parc des Princes in recent seasons.
PSG’s task is certainly difficult considering how the side laboured to secure a 2-2 draw against Caen at Normandy. Though PSG’s character can’t be questioned, there are a lot of doubts on the side’s mental strength to lift their first Championelle in almost
17 years.
New signing, Alex, insists that his side is under no pressure as they take on rampant Bordeaux.
“We are not affected (by the Lyon defeat), we are sad of course but we must put it behind us quickly if we are to bounce back. We are hoping to become champions of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/France-c2899. Like at all big clubs, the pressure is permanently there.”
This season, PSG have developed a reputation of being a solid defensive side. However, in their last five league outings, they have conceded 10 goals.
Last season, Paris Saint-Germain lost this fixture 2-1 to the Aquitaine side and PSG would be looking to avoid the same finale.
Furthermore, Bordeaux drew 1-1 at the Delmas against PSG last November and apart from a few setbacks, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Francis-c13946 Gillot’s side have been the third best side in the league since the winter break.
Last week, Bordeaux drew 1-1 to Ajaccio at home. However, in their last away game, Gillot’s side beat Brest 2-0. Bordeaux are still outside contenders of a top-five finish but Gillot feels that the draw at Corsica has changed things.
“If we are eighth in the table, then it is because we still have a lot of things that we need to improve. I expect more from my team. If we are to stand any chance of catching the sides above us, we need to be more complete in our performances. We are not
capable of finishing in the top five at the moment.”
Team news
Paris Saint-Germain
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Alex-c4752 might start the game from the bench.
Bordeaux
Topscorer, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Yoan-Gouffran-c37412 is out for atleast a fortnight after suffering an ankle injury while Jussie should start the game after shaking off a leg knock. Cheick Diabate is also available for the crunch game at Ile.
Predictions
With history favouring them, Bordeaux might be weighing their chances in a bid to deal a major blow to PSG’s title hopes.
Predicted final score: PSG 1-1 Bordeaux
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