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Paris Saint-Germain vs Marseille is known as Le Classique in France such is the rich history between the teams from two major cities across the Channel. Usually this is a top of the table clash, but a sluggish start sees Paris-Saint Germain fifth at the time of writing with Marseille a point ahead.
Kylian Mbappé is the form player in this fixture, the World Cup Winner has scored nine times in the last ten Le Classiques he has featured in. It is telling that Marseille’s most recent win, a 2-1 Coupe de France victory last season, came when Mbappé was out injured.
This game is the main course on Sunday evening after the regular set of fixtures, it will be sure to have huge viewership around the world with the game broadcast on TV and livestream in the UK and internationally.
Paris Saint-Germain vs Marseille predicted lineups and news
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Both sides were in European action this week, Paris Saint-Germain defeated Dortmund 2-0 in the Champions League, and Marseille drew 3-3 with Ajax in the Europa League. The increased game load might tempt the Spanish coaches to tinker with their respective teams.
In terms of injuries the balance is in favour of the hosts, they saw Fabián Ruiz return to training and Nuno Mendes is said to be “close” to full fitness. In contrast, Marseille’s Ismaïla Sarr will miss the game with a hamstring injury.
Team news: Paris Saint-Germain
Luis Enrique had made three changes to his starting XI for Borussia Dortmund, compared to the side that began the game against Nice. Gonçalo Ramos started the last three Ligue 1 games but was benched for new signing Kolo Muani.
Good afternoon, @KMbappe 👋 pic.twitter.com/z6mwLwfGgs
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) September 22, 2023
In defence the Brazilian international Marquinhos returned in the Champions League having been rested for the Nice match. Given that Les Parisiens conceded three goals in that defeat it is almost certain that Luis Enrique won’t want to risk leaving him out again here.
The midfield three could continue with the young Uruguayan enforcer Manuel Ugarte providing that extra bite and intensity. Fabián Ruiz might be preferred to bring some experience in what is such a big match.
Paris Saint-Germain predicted lineup: 4-3-3
Donnarumma- Hakimi, Marquinhos, Skriniar, Hernández – Vitinha, Ugarte, Zaïre-Emery – Mbappé, Ramos, Dembelé
Team news: Marseille
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is now the second highest scorer in Europa League football after his double salvaged a point for Les Olympiens against Ajax. Morocco international Amine Harti played on the wing instead of absentee Sarr. Geoffrey Kondogbia returned in midfield having lost his starting spot in recent Ligue 1 games.
A point to start Group B. Onwards to Paris, and the Classique on Sunday.
ALLEZ OM! ✨✨✨#AJAOM | ⚪️🔵 pic.twitter.com/cGCS7cpjWX
— Olympique de Marseille 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 (@OM_English) September 21, 2023
Jonathan Clauss and Renan Lodi have played every minute so far this season, the full backs a key part of Marcelino’s system. They will have their hands full in this match with Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé looking to get them one-on-one at every opportunity.
Obviously, Aubameyang is the first name on the teamsheet and the Gabon striker has scored against Paris Saint-Germain before. The goal came way back in 2012 when he was at St. Étienne. The toss up will be between Iliman Ndiaye and Vitinha, the latter has scored twice in only three starts.
Marseille predicted lineup: 4-4-2
López- Clauss, Mbemba, Gigot, Lodi – Harit, Rongier, Veretout, Correa – Ndiaye, Aubameyang
Will Randal Kolo Muani play today?
The young French striker made his debut last week in the Nice game, having joined on deadline day from Eintracht Frankfurt. He had an immediate impact by assisting Mbappé for his second goal, and as a reward got handed a starting role against Dortmund.
🚨🇵🇹| Gonçalo Ramos is likely to start ahead of Randal Kolo Muani as the striker vs. Marseille. @lequipe pic.twitter.com/r6L3rYhyrh
— PSG Report (@PSG_Report) September 22, 2023
The 24 year old offers something different to the man he had replaced, Portuguese striker Gonçalo Ramos. Rather than a classic number nine he has mobility and can create space for the other two forwards to come in off the wing. There is a big case not to play Ramos, he has yet to score and in the two matches he has played the full 90 minutes the Red and Blues haven’t scored from open play. Kolo Muani could be the change they are looking for, but Luis Enrique is reportedly not ready to make the switch just yet. Muani likely to appear from the bench.
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