After being surprised by Sporting Lisbon in the middle of the week – and by the former Marseille player Luis Suarez's brace – PSG now turns its attention back to domestic affairs. The Parisian club travels to Auxerre's pitch at the Abbé-Deschamps stadium. Both teams are in need of points: Luis Enrique's men need to stay in touch with the surprising leader Lens, while Auxerre simply aims at survival.
Christophe Pelissier opts for a defensive 3-5-2 formation. Mensah regains his starting spot as a left wing-back, with Muriautin Lamine Sy on the right. In midfield, the Icaunaise academy gem, Kévin Danois, partners with newcomer Ahamada. Upfront, Namaso and Sinayoko lead the attack, hoping to replicate their AFCON performance. On the other hand, Luis Enrique opts for a 3-4-3 formation amid several absences cHakimi, Mendes, and Ruiz mainlyc. Despite the ongoing legal case, Lucas Hernandez starts as a central defender. Mbaye operates as the left wing-back, with Barcola supporting Ramos, who spearheads the attack.
Official line-ups:
Auxerre: Léon – Senaya, Diomandé, Akpa – Sy, El Azzouzi, Ahamada, Danois, Mensah – Sinayoko, Namaso
Paris Saint-Germain: Chevalier – Beraldo, Zabarnyi, Hernandez – Mayulu, Zaïre-Emery, Vitinha, Mbaye – Kvaratskhelia, Ramos, Barcola
Following their defeat against Sporting c1-2c, the Parisians returned to the Poissy training ground on Thursday for an afternoon session. Fabian Ruiz notably missed the training, staying indoors after his 80th-minute substitution in Lisbon. Suffering from a left leg injury, he hobbled off the pitch, likely due to a knock. A medical update is expected on Thursday, ahead of the trip to Auxerre.
In case of unavailability, who can Luis Enrique rely on in that sector? Besides Kang-In Lee and Quentin Ndjantou, the Parisian coach has been without Joao Neves in the last two matches due to a minor muscle issue. Luis Enrique had downplayed Neves' injury before the Sporting game. Matveï Safonov, who broke his left hand against Flamengo during the Intercontinental Cup c1-1, 2-1 on penalties on December 17c, is likely to remain sidelined a bit longer.
The clash between Auxerre and PSG promises to be crucial for both teams with different objectives. The game will provide an opportunity for the squads to showcase their abilities, with Paris Saint-Germain seeking redemption after their midweek setback. As the race for points intensifies in the domestic league, the outcome of this match could have far-reaching implications for the teams' respective campaigns. Both managers will be keen to secure a positive result to either maintain their position at the top or bolster their fight to avoid relegation.
PSG's lineup adjustments due to injuries and suspensions will put their depth to the test against a determined Auxerre side fighting for survival. The dynamics on the pitch, tactics deployed by both managers, and individual performances will all contribute to the overall outcome of the game. With both teams possessing quality players capable of turning the tide in a flash, the fans can expect an intense and closely fought encounter at the Abbé-Deschamps stadium.
