Paris Saint-Germain have battered opponents in Ligue 1 this season. PSG have scored at least three goals in each domestic fixture. Manager Thomas Tuchel’s team geared up for Sunday’s match against Lyon with a 6-1 Champions League mauling of Red Star Belgrade.
Problem is, PSG have dominated lesser teams, which is the biggest issue they have when it comes to playing the best clubs in European competition. Regardless, PSG will host Lyon on Sunday night and a slip up will give the chasing pack a chance to gain ground.
Lyon are undefeated in their last six games in all competitions. Bruno Genesio’s team has drawn its last two matches in all competitions. Les Gones drew with Nantes a week ago before finishing 2-2 with Champions League group rivals Shakhtar Donetsk. Lyon have scored 14 goals this term, the third most in Ligue 1.
However, that number pales in comparison to PSG’s massive 27 goals scored. Lyon’s last four league matches have seen two or more goals tallied. Attacking midfielder Bertrand Traore leads the team in goals with four. Meanwhile, defender Tanguy N’Dombele is Lyon’s leading assist man with four.
PSG’s ability to create goals and score has been an embarrassment in Ligue 1. The Parisians are running away with the league title. They average 3.4 goals per game while keeping over 60 percent of the ball. Neymar, Edinson Cavani, and Kylian Mbappe have combined to score 16 goals and tally six assists. PSG has so many players who can beat their opponents. If Neymar, Cavani, or Mbappe is having an off-game, Tuchel can call upon a number of backups. While that didn’t work against Liverpool in the Champions League, the competition in Ligue 1 is not up to the same standard.
Tuchel has no new injuries to worry about. Full-backs Dani Alves and Layvin Kurzawa have long-term injuries and neither is being missed. Right-back Thomas Meunir has made the position his own in Alves’ absence. The Belgian has recorded two goals and two assists in Ligue 1.
Lyon’s Nabil Fekir has been brilliant this season in the middle of the park. His play has once again raised Liverpool’s interest and possible regret over not signing him in the summer. Fekir and fellow attacking midfielder Memphis Depay will be key against PSG. Can the two open up PSG’s defence and trackback to stop Neymar and company?
PSG have won four of the last six meetings between the two teams. Lyon did win their last game against PSG, 2-1. That victory came at home, however. PSG have not lost at home to Lyon in three games. Sunday will see PSG once again gain victory over their rivals and continue their perfect start to the domestic season.