A week after outclassing Montpellier (1-4), Paris Saint-Germain are preparing to return to Ligue 1 action for the final time this season, this time at the Parc des Princes when they host Auxerre on Saturday 17th May at 9pm. Here, we take a look at the latest developments and the players to watch out for in the Ligue 1 match that awaits the Rouge et Bleu.
dynamics in numbers
opposing forces
Christophe Pélissier and his team mainly play a 5-2-3 system. In goal, Donovan Léon has established himself as one of the key players in the Burgundy side, having been unbeatable in the away fixture against the Parisians. Ahead of him, Côte d'Ivoire internationals Sinaly Diomandé and Clément Akpa are expected in central defence. But the third man in this position has yet to be decided, as captain Jubal will not be taking part. In his absence, Nigeria international Gabriel Osho is the favourite to start.
On the right side of defence, AJA will have to make do without another regular starter: Ki-Jana Hoever. The player on loan from Wolverhampton is likely to be replaced by Paul Joly, while Ghana international Gideon Mensah will probably be preferred to Fredrik Oppegård on the left. In midfield, Elisha Owusu, another Ghana international who has recently returned from injury and is a crucial member of his team, is likely to start. Alongside him, French U-21 international Han-Noah Massengo should be the Auxerre staff's preferred option, relegating Senegal international Assane Dioussé to the bench.
However, if there is one area where Auxerre are performing well, it is in attack, with a number of individuals who have stood out throughout the season. Starting with Gaëtan Perrin, scorer of 10 goals and 9 assists this season in Ligue 1, who is expected to play on the right wing. On the left, a number of players are in contention for a place in the starting XI: the mercurial Hamed Junior Traoré (10 goals, 2 assists) and the imposing Lassine Sinayoko (4 goals, 8 assists) are the two most plausible options.
The latter can also play as a centre-forward, but Japanese international Ado Onaiwu (4 goals, 1 assist) seems to have made his mark in this position in recent weeks. Canadian international Theo Bair (2 goals, 1 assist), meanwhile, could make an appearance during the game to add some energy to an attack with a host of strengths.
a look back at the away fixture
