Preview: Paris-Le Havre
With Ligue 1's 31st match day coming up against Le Havre at 9pm on Saturday 27th April, we take a closer look at PSG's next fixture. We'll take a look at the standings, the dynamics of the game and the players to watch, as we take a look at the match that awaits our Rouge et Bleu against HAC.
RANKINGS UPDATE
After rediscovering their taste for success in the league against Olympique Lyonnais last week (4-1), the Parisians followed up with a second flamboyant victory two days ago at FC Lorient (1-4) in the late match of match day 29. These two victories mean that Paris Saint-Germain are still the leaders at the top of the league. With a record of 20 wins, 9 draws and just 1 defeat in the top flight since the start of the season, Paris have 69 points after 30 games played. The Rouge et Bleu are 11 points clear of second-placed Monaco, and will be looking to clinch the 2024 French title this weekend.
For their part, Le Havre are going through a tricky period. After a good first half of the season, the promoted Normandy outfit have won just 2 of their 13 league matches since the start of the calendar year, drawing 3 and losing 8 in the process. Most recently, the oldest club in French football lost at home to Nantes (0-1) and then to Metz (0-1). Now 16th in the standings and in the relegation places with 28 points from 30 Ligue 1 games, HAC have no choice but to pick up points to save their place in the top flight at the end of the season.
DYNAMICS IN NUMBERS
This Sunday at the Parc des Princes, Paris Saint-Germain will be aiming for a fourth win in 11 days, with their sights set on a 12th French league title and a 50th trophy in the club's history. And to do so, Paris will be able to build on their superb momentum against HAC, having won all five of their matches against the Normandy club in Ligue 1 in the 21st century. In fact, Paris have lost just one of their 14 home matches against Le Havre in the top flight (9 wins, 4 draws), keeping a clean sheet on 9 occasions. The Parisians will also be keen to continue their current unbeaten run in the league, with 25 consecutive matches without defeat (18 wins, 7 draws).
As for Les Ciel & Marine, the visitors will be going in search of their 7th Ligue 1 win of the season. And if they are to succeed, the Normans will need to find the back of the net against a Paris side who have scored and conceded at least one goal in each of their last 9 league games at the Parc des Princes. Accustomed to showing commitment from the moment they step on to the pitch, Les Havrais are the team with the most high-intensity presses in the top flight this season (11,734). The Rouge et Bleu will not be unprepared, however, as Paris is the team that has experienced the most (12,959).
OPPOSING FORCES
Luka Elsner and his team have two main playing systems: 5-2-3 and 4-2-3-1. In goal, Arthur Desmas (73.5% save rate in the league this season) is the first-choice keeper ahead of former Lyon man Mathieu Gorgelin. In front of him, young captain Arouna Sangante (22) is the undisputed leader of the Normandy rearguard. Alongside him, Étienne Youté Kinkoué and Yoann Salmier would appear to have the edge to complete a three-man central defence, although Gautier Lloris remains a credible alternative. Hungarian international Loïc Nego is expected to start at right-back at Le Parc.
On the other side, Christopher Operi is making a comeback and could regain his place in the starting XI, while Moroccan international Oualid El Hajjam has less of a chance. In midfield, the indispensable Daler Kuzyaev is the custodian of Les Ciel & Marine's play, and he could be joined by 21-year-old Oussama Targhalline. However, Guinean international Abdoulaye Touré should be back in the squad and could shake up the hierarchy. On the right-wing, American international Emmanuel Sabbi (5 goals in Ligue 1 this season) is expected to continue his fine form and could be preferred over Samuel Grandsir.
As for the left flank, it could be occupied by the versatile Yassine Kechta or the lively Josué Casimir, who showed all his qualities in the first leg between Paris and Le Havre. Finally, on the attacking front, the Normandy staff have no shortage of options. André Ayew, scorer of 4 goals in all competitions since his arrival at the club this winter, could be the preferred choice. But the experienced Ghanaian striker is not the only option, as Mohamed Bayo (4 goals, 1 assist) and Steve Ngoura could also have their say. The Rouge et Bleu defence has been warned...
