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Preview: PSG head to Lyon
Renewed hope
Despite a sterling run to the end of last season, and a strong display in the UEFA Europa League league phase, Olympique Lyonnais last month cut ties with Pierre Sage, replacing him on the bench with Fonseca. Well-known to followers of Ligue 1 for his impressive spell at LOSC Lille, he had had a frustrating season with AC Milan before being dismissed, but was one of the league's most impressive managers in his two seasons in the north of France, playing progressive, dynamic football, and keeping his side in the running for Europe despite serious injuries and major departures.
While Lyon haven't had to navigate either of those, like Lille, this squad is a heterogeneous group, a mix of veteran talent (Corentin Tolisso, Alexandre Lacazette, Nemanja Matic) and some of the division's top young players (Rayan Cherki, Ernest Nuamah). But to a man, they've responded quickly to the positive style of play of Fonseca, with Tolisso looking a player reborn in midfield and summer signing Georges Mikautadze also coming to the fore, the Georgian having found the net in each of his last two league matches. Fonseca's approach is detail-oriented, but with OL having scored eight goals in their last two matches, the results of his approach are clear, and they'll be eager to get a measure of revenge.
The race for glory begins! PSG vs Lyon – the ultimate weekend battle! 🔴🔵
📺 Watch #OLPSG
🗓️ 23 February
⏰ 19:45 GMT 🇬🇧 | 14:45 EST 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/TnJ9v7jG6V— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) February 21, 2025
a ruthless run
As for the visitors, they've shaken off some uneven form and are unbeaten in all competitions since November, and have just thrashed Stade Brestois in the UEFA Champions League in midweek. With seven wins in a row in all competitions, the capital side are brimming with confidence behind the stunning form of Ousmane Dembélé. The French international has found the net an incredible 15 times in the calendar year, and is Ligue 1's top scorer.
Despite this, manager Luis Enrique was quick to underscore that for him Lyon remain a dangerous opponent, saying, Lyon is one of the best teams in the league, and they are also playing in Europe. We expect a tough match. We need to be at a very high level to play well and win." Thus it seems, a real cracker of a match awaits to cap off the weekend.
Predicted lineups:
Olympique Lyonnais (4-2-3-1): Perri; Kumbedi, Mata, Niakhaté, Tagliafico; Tessmann, Matic; Nuamah, Tolisso, Cherki; Mikautadze
Paris Saint-Germain (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Lee (or Ruíz), Vitinha, Neves; Doué, Dembélé, Barcola
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