PREVIEW: Lyon vs Paris Saint-Germain

Division 1 Arkema matchday eight sees a top-of-the-table clash and key title decider pitting first placed Olympique Lyonnais against reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain at Parc Olympique Lyonnais in Lyon on Sunday.

Unbeaten in the current campaign, both teams are relishing the opportunity to lay down a marker in determining the destination of the championship and are rubbing their hands to set the pace in this encounter.

The visitors will be hoping that the recent events at the club, where midfielder Aminata Diallo has been taken into custody with alleged links to the violent attack on teammate Kheira Hamraoui, will not interfere with their performance as they seek to put pressure on the log leaders.

The Paris club will also be looking to build on the momentum of their recent 4-0 champions league victory over Real Madrid on Tuesday.

Didier Ollé-Nicolle’s side occupy second spot on the log with 21 points from seven matches and trail the hosts on goal difference.

Their strike force has been brutal with forward Marie-Antoinette Katoto leading the division’s scoring charts with eight goals in seven matches. The French forward also scored a brace in their 4-0 rout of Real Madrid.

Forward Sandy Baltimore has been providing assists from wide-right and provided two assists in their 3-0 win over Dijon.

Paris have also had an impressive defense having not conceded a goal this season. Their goalkeeper, Czech Barbora Votíková has been one of the division’s best performers this season and played a big role in maintaining the clean sheet.

Meanwhile, the home side has been outscoring their opponents in the current campaign and hope to continue with the streak. The Lyon side has scored 32 goals in the previous seven games. Forwards Signe Bruun and Melvine Mallard have an impressive five goals apiece.

Full-back-cum-winger Selma Bacha has been able to rake up impressive assists from wide-left which ensures that Paris have their work of keeping the 20-year-old at bay cut out.

Sonia Bompastor’s side has also been ruthless in guarding their goal, conceding just a solitary goal in the same period.

Either team will be looking to outsmart the other, hence guaranteeing a tight match in a contest which will likely have fine margins of error.

Olympique Lyonnais have been dominating the fixture over the years but Paris Saint-Germain claimed the last one and will be keen to continue from where they left.

Key stats:

• 3 of Paris Saint-Germain’s last 4 games ended with over 2.5 goals scored
• 7 of Lyon last 7 matches ended with over 2.5 goals scored
• Olympique Lyonnais and Paris Saint-Germain have met 19 times with Lyon winning 11 times, PSG winning 3 times while there has been 3 draws between the two teams