Ligue 1 Preview: Paris Saint-Germain - Nice

Erding In The Right Direction

Paris Saint-Germain’s form can be looked at in two ways. For those with a rather pessimistic outlook, it could be said that les Parisiens have only won twice in their last seven encounters, but those who see the glass half full could equally well point out that Antoine Kombouare’s side have lost only a pair of games in that very same run.

However it is examined, it is clear that September and October were definitely months of stalling in PSG’s campaign, which had looked promising until the end of August. A 3-0 trouncing of Lille at home suggested success, but the Parc des Princes side failed to build on that early momentum and would in fact fall away, dropping from a high of second to a low of tenth, though it is worth pointing out that they do have a game in hand to be played against Olympique de Marseille.

So what caused this rather alarming slump, which was only really brought to an end by a thumping 4-1 success over Sochaux last weekend? Well, it’s probably little coincidence that PSG stopped winning when Mevlut Erding, their marquee summer signing from les Lionceaux, picked up a shoulder injury at the end of August. PSG won three of their first four with him in their side and then only one of their next six when he was injured.

The Turk returned last weekend, scoring a goal as Kombouare’s men ran out simple victors. The equation seems clear for the moment, and les Parisiens will hope it continues to hold when les Aiglons come calling this Saturday.

Lyon Tamers

Only a fortnight ago, Nice coach Didier Olle-Nicole was a man under severe pressure. He had just watched his side slip to a miserable 4-1 away defeat at Lorient, sending them plummeting to second bottom of the Ligue 1 table, with only pointless Grenoble preventing them from propping up the standings. A home match against Olympique Lyonnais therefore promised little aside from more misery.

However, Nice sprang arguably the shock of the Ligue 1 season to date, producing a brilliant counterattacking performance to stifle the then-unbeaten Gones, who went home with their tails firmly between their legs having been thumped 4-1.

That victory owed much to the offensive talents of Loic Remy and Anthony Mounier, both of whom tormented the club that raised them. The greatest difference, however, was in the defensive organisation of the side. Previously teams had mown through the back four easily, leaving talented young goalkeeper David Ospina with little chance, but the game against OL showed that, with a full strength rearguard, Nice need not be porous.

Most importantly, le Gym seem to have built on that unlikely success. They were not nearly so fantastically good last weekend against Le Mans, but they won a crucial game 1-0 to push them further away from the drop zone. They now lie 14th.

All their hard work over the last fortnight will be for naught if they slide back to their previous ways. Against a PSG side buoyed by a terrific win last weekend, there can be nothing taken for granted.

FORM

PSG

 

WON 4-1 (a) Sochaux (Ligue 1, Matchday 12, November 1)

 

LOST 1-0 (a) Toulouse (Ligue 1, Matchday 9, October 18)

 

DREW 1-1 (h) Nancy (Ligue 1, Matchday 8, October 3)

 

DREW 1-1 (a) Lorient (Ligue 1, Matchday 7, September 26)

 

WON 1-0 (a) Boulogne-Sur-Mer (Coupe de la Ligue, 1/16 final, September 23)

 

Nice

 

WON 1-0 (h) Le Mans (Ligue 1, Matchday 12, November 1)

 

WON 4-1 (h) Olympique Lyonnais (Ligue 1, Matchday 10, October 25)

 

LOST 4-1 (a) Lorient (Ligue 1, Matchday 9, October 18)

 

WON 3-2 (h) Valenciennes (Ligue 1, Matchday 8, October 3)

 

DREW 1-1 (a) Lille (Ligue 1, Matchday 7, September 27)

TEAM NEWS

PSG

Guillaume Hoarau remains the only serious injury problem. The striker has a knee ligament issue and is not expected to play again this year.

Zoumana Camara will probably turn out for the reserves after only just recovering his fitness, though Claude Makelele is back in the first team squad after missing the rout of Sochaux due to a ban.

Limited changes are expected from the successful side of last Sunday, so Ludovic Giuly may well be on the bench once more.

Probable Starting XI: Coupet; Ceara, Traore, Sakho, Armand; Makelele, Clement; Jallet, Sessegnon, Luyindula; Erding

Nice

Injury problems are not prevent for le Gym, who will miss only Mickael Pote and Cid. However, Emerse Fae is still banned.

Probable Starting XI: Ospina; Paisley, Gace, Apam, Mabiala; Coulibaly, Hellebuyck, Sable; Bagayoko, Remy, Mounier

PLAYERS TO WATCH

PSG

Having given him the big build-up, it would be unfair to select anyone but Mevlut Erding, whose rate of growth has only increased since he moved to the French capital, as the man to watch. He looked lively, though not quite at his best, last weekend, so there is more to come from him as he nears full fitness. Three goals in five appearances is a fine return.

Nice

The defence will likely be key for OGC on Saturday evening. However, the rearguard will be breeched on occasion, so it will be down to young Colombian stopper David Ospina to shut out les Parisiens when they do get through. One of the brightest young shot-stoppers in Ligue 1, the 21-year-old’s reflexes are excellent, though his game does still have a few rough edges. In a couple of years he will surely be starring for one of Europe’s top clubs.

PREDICTION

Although Nice have improved of late, it’s difficult to back against les Parisiens given the kind of form they showed last Sunday. There are likely to be goals in this encounter, though the home side should ease away at the end.

Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 Nice

Robin Bairner, Goal.com