Preview: Paris-Clermont

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The Parisians made their mark on the pitch at the Velodrome and returned home with another 3 points in their pocket. The result was ideal for the capital club, who are now 12 points clear of second-placed Brest. Ahead of their visit to Clermont, Paris Saint-Germain are on an incredible 22-game unbeaten run in Ligue 1 (16 wins, 6 draws).

Clermont, for their part, have 20 points from 27 matches, a tally that in the past has not allowed any of the 48 teams with that total at this stage to escape relegation. Currently bottom of the French league, Clermont-Ferrand have won just once in their last nine Ligue 1 matches. Six points from safety, relegation is by no means a foregone conclusion for Pascal Gastien's men, who could go all out and try to surprise the Parc des Princes.

DYNAMICS IN NUMBERS

This Saturday, Paris will be looking to dominate their Clermont-Ferrand rivals and extend their excellent unbeaten run to 22 games, the last defeat came against Nice last September. The Parisians face a new challenge, however, as they look to reverse the trend against a team that has already caused them problems of late. Luis Enrique's men have not won either of their last two Ligue 1 matches against Clermont (1 draw, 1 defeat) after winning their first three. To succeed, Paris will be able to rely on their infallible attack at home: the capital club have scored in their last 12 league games. Number 7 Kylian Mbappé could also be looking to celebrate his 300th match in all competitions for Paris!

On the visitors' side, Clermont-Ferrand will be keen to get back on track after failing to score in their last two away games against Nice and Metz. To do so, they could take advantage of a temporary weakness in Paris, who have conceded at least one goal in their last seven league games. But that may not be enough. Clermont will have to be wary of their Parisian counterparts, who stand as the team that has won most after opening the scoring in the league this season. That's bad news for the Auvergnats, who are, conversely, the team that has lost the most in these circumstances.

OPPOSING FORCES

Recently joined by Sébastien Bichard, Pascal Gastien will be hoping to get a result in his last game at the Parc des Princes, as he retires at the end of the season. In last place, the Auvergnats are fighting for their survival in the top flight. Clermont's status as one of the relegation candidates in the race for survival makes them a dangerous opponent. Pascal Gastien has two main options for his team composition: the 4-2-3-1, used since the match against Brest on 11th February, or the 5-2-3, an arrangement favoured for most of last season and which was chosen last week against Toulouse due to the large number of absentees. It was a choice that did not pay off, as Clermont lost heavily 3-0 on home turf.

Mory Diaw should start in goal, although there is still some doubt. The Senegal international, who was ill and replaced at short notice last Sunday, is feeling better and has resumed training. It remains to be seen whether he will have recovered sufficiently to start. The 30-year-old goalkeeper, who had a spell with the French capital club, is capable of alternating between the very good and the not-so-good. Nonetheless, he remains one of the best performing goalkeepers in the league.

In defence, the team may be tempted to opt for a 5 man back line against Paris. In that case, Maximiliano Caufriez, Chrislain Matsima and Andy Pelmard are the favourites to start in the centre. In a 4-man defence, Andy Pelmard could slide over to the right, unless Mehdi Zeffane is preferred. On the left, Clermont-Ferrand will be able to count on the return of Neto Borges, who was absent against Toulouse. Another important return is that of captain Johan Gastien in midfield. To support him, the coaches will have a choice between Habib Keita and Yohan Magnin. The more attacking option of Bilal Boutobba cannot be ruled out, although it is less likely. The experienced Maxime Gonalons will be missing through injury.

As far as attacking play is concerned, it is hard to predict. Not entirely satisfied with the performance of his two strikers, Shamar Nicholson and Grejohn Kyei (6 goals between them this season), Pascal Gastien has opted for the last two matches to start without them. If this choice is maintained, we could see a trio of Jim Allevinah (2 goals, 1 assist), Muhammed Cham (4 goals, 4 assists) and Alan Virginius, still in search of his first Ligue 1 goal this season. Elbasan Rashani, who is still suspended, will not take part in the match. If the coach opts for Shamar Nicholson or Grejohn Kyei, Alan Virginius will be the logical choice. The Parisians will have to be wary of their opponents' attacking transitions, with their very quick players.