Lille-Paris: To the North we go

Update on the table

LOSC got their league campaign off to a perfect start with a 0-2 win away to Stade de Reims, and they followed that up with a second win in as many games last week when they took on Angers SCO (2-0). At the same time, the northern club also qualified for the Champions League league stage by beating Slavia Prague (2-0, 1-2). An ideal start to the season for Lille, who have conceded just two goals in their last four matches.

For their part, Paris Saint-Germain have also enjoyed a successful start to their league campaign. The capital club first won at Le Havre AC (1-4), before shining last week against Montpellier on their return to the Parc des Princes (6-0). With 10 goals scored in just 2 games, the Parisians will be looking to break down Lille's solid defence.

THE DYNAMICS IN NUMBERS

THE OPPOSITION

Bruno Génésio and his team mainly use a 5-2-3 system. In goal, it will be French U-21 international Lucas Chevalier who will start. Despite his young age (22), the LOSC-trained keeper is already establishing himself as one of the key players in the Nord outfit. In front of him, another France U-21 international is expected to start in central defence: Bafodé Diakité, who will probably be accompanied by the solid Alexsandro.

Former Villarreal player Aïssa Mandi is the favourite to complete the three-man central defence, which would mean Belgian international Thomas Meunier starting on the right flank. The other option is Tiago Santos, but the Portuguese U-21 international has a more attacking profile. On the other side, the Lille staff have no real choice: in the absence of the experienced Ismaily, who has a meniscus injury, Swedish international Gabriel Gudmundsson is likely to start.

In midfield, with Nabil Bentaleb still unavailable, the indispensable Benjamin André will definitely feature against the Parisians. Alongside the Dogues captain, the promising Hákon Haraldsson could play alongside him. Used to playing higher up the pitch, the Icelandic international has given good performances in this position in recent weeks. Should he move into a more attacking position, Ethan Mbappé could take advantage of the absences to slip into midfield, as he seems to be preferred to Ngal'ayel Mukau and Ayyoub Bouaddi, while Angel Gomes will only just be back in the Dogues squad.

In attack, Lille's serial goalscorer Jonathan David (26 goals and 9 assists in all competitions last season) should naturally occupy the centre-forward position, with Mohamed Bayo as his understudy. To support the Canadian international, Edon Zhegrova and Rémy Cabella are the best options. But the French coach has plenty of depth in attack, and Norwegian international Osame Sahraoui is a credible alternative. The Rouge et Bleu know what they are up againt...