PSG prepares to face Olympique Lyonnais, with Lionel Messi set to play

Paris Saint-Germain returns to action after the international break, eager to maintain their lead in the Ligue 1 title race. The team coached by Argentine Mauricio Pochettino has had a successful campaign in France, but there is little room for error as they prepare to host Olympique Lyonnais on Sunday evening. Despite being winless in their last three games across all competitions, Lyon represents a formidable opponent that can make things difficult for any team.

PSG goes into the fixture with some concerns over their form and the availability of key players. Neymar and Kimpembe won’t play due to injuries, while Ramos is doubtful. However, PSG will welcome back Soler and Marquinhos from injury. Another interesting aspect of the game will be Lionel Messi’s participation after returning from international duty.

A Classic Fixture

The match between PSG and Lyon is a classic fixture in French football, with both teams historically amongst the most successful sides in the country. Despite PSG’s rise in recent years under Qatari ownership, Lyon still represents one of the greatest challengers to their domestic dominance. PSG has won ten of their last fifteen league matches with Lyon and have lost just one of their last fourteen home games against OL.

Different Circumstances

Despite being two competent teams, PSG and Lyon are facing this fixture under different circumstances. After losing two of their last three games, PSG needs a victory to try to avoid further slip-ups that could compromise their bid for another title. Lyon seems out of options for European football places and sits in 10th place on the Ligue 1 table.

Laurent Blanc Under Pressure

Laurent Blanc, the coach of Olympique Lyonnais, is facing pressure after his team’s disappointing performance in both UEFA Champions League and Coupe de France. Despite the difficulties, the match against PSG represents an opportunity for Lyon to turn their fortunes around and to get a positive performance before the upcoming Coupe de France match against Nantes.

Missing Key Players

PSG will be without some key players such as Kylian Mbappe, Neymar Jr, and Kimpembe due to injuries, while Lyon could be without Malo Gusto and Anthony Lopes. Some PSG fans have been whistling Messi before the match against Lyon and have been scapegoating him for the team’s struggles.

Predicted Lineups

A predicted PSG lineup includes Messi, Marquinhos, Soler, Icardi, Di Maria, Verratti, Danilo Pereira, Thilo Kehrer, Abdou Diallo, Dagba, and Donnarumma. Meanwhile, OL is expected to field a lineup consisting of Anthony Lopes in goal; Henrique Silva, Damien da Silva, Sinaly Diomande in defence alongside Mattia De Sciglio; Bruno Guimaraes and Lucas Paqueta in midfield with Leo Dubois and Karl Toko Ekambi out wide; Memphis Depay playing behind Islam Slimani.

Messi’s Sensational Form

Lionel Messi has been in sensational form for PSG this season with 46 goal involvements in his 49 top-flight appearances since his arrival from Barcelona. If he plays in this game as expected, he will add another layer of quality to a team that already boasts some of the world’s best players.

The Future of Lionel Messi

Messi’s contract with PSG will soon expire and his future is still uncertain. His performances on the pitch have been outstanding even though he was subject to criticism from some PSG fans. However, many expect him to renew his contract with PSG or even sign with another European giant. Still, his future is a topic of discussion among football enthusiasts all around the world.

Prediction

The prediction for the match is that PSG will win by a goal or two depending on their state of mind. Although Lyon has not been as strong as they have been historically, PSG needs to remain vigilant and maintain the desire to win the match in order to stay ahead in the title race.

In conclusion, PSG will enter this fixture with a lot of pressure to win the match and maintain their lead in Ligue 1. Olympique Lyonnais, meanwhile, will look to upset the Parisians and turn their season around. With Lionel Messi on the pitch, PSG’s chances of winning this game increase considerably. Whatever the outcome, this game promises to be an exciting one filled with quality football.

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons