PARIS (AP) — With nine matches remaining in Ligue 1, Paris Saint-Germain is still unable to shake off Reims in the title race.
lens has gone from a surprising front-runner to a genuine challenger. PSG have no games this weekend, so Pierre Sarge’s side can move two points up at the top of the table with a win against mid-table Lorient on Saturday.
PSG are off duty after Nantes agreed to postpone their game scheduled for Sunday in order to better prepare for next week’s Champions League second leg against Chelsea.
PSG doesn’t seem to need that much, though. Leading 5-2 From Wednesday’s last-16 first leg.
The decision did not please Nantes fans, who are facing another relegation battle with their third manager this season. Ahmed Kantari was fired this week and replaced by Vahid Halilhodzic.
Kantari was in charge of 3 months. He was appointed in mid-December after Nantes sacked coach Luis Castro after 15 appearances.
major matches
Marseille’s narrow win against Toulouse last weekend moved them into third place on goal difference with Lyon.
However, Marseille fans are still angry about their opposition. Trophyless season And Habib Bayet’s men will need a strong performance against Auxerre at home on Friday to reassure them.
Monaco play Brest at home on Saturday and the players are in great form under attacking-minded Belgian coach Sebastian Pocognoli. Monaco have won their last four league matches, including an impressive away win. P.S.G. and lens.
Lyon will be looking to end a four-game winning streak against bottom-placed Le Havre, while fifth-placed Rennes will be aiming for a fifth straight win when they host Lille, with both games taking place on Sunday.
Featured players
Monaco’s turnaround in fortunes coincided with the success of the American forward Folarin Balogun finding the form. He was at his best against PSG last Friday, with his movement and hold-up play outstanding, and he has scored 13 goals this season overall.
Lens winger Florian Thauven is in great form, having scored in Ligue 1 and the French Cup last week.
Remi Himbert has attracted attention on the left side of Lyon’s attack, with the 18-year-old forward’s form earning him his first professional contract until 2028.
Rennes striker Esteban Leport is aiming to increase his tally of league goals to 13 this season.
Activity suspended
Lyon’s goal-scoring midfielder Pavel Shulk He continues to be absent due to a hamstring injury.
Marseille central defender Naif Ager has required surgery to treat pubic pain, a problem caused by a chronic groin injury. The disease has been plaguing the Moroccan national team for several months.
The Nice midfielder is expected to miss the rest of the season. The 18-year-old joined the team this year but suffered a serious ankle injury during practice this week.
off the field
PSG Qatar representative Nasser Al-Khelaifi Flights suspended in Qatar This week, the war with Iran is escalating.
Flights to and from the Middle East Affected by the Iran warlaunched by the United States and Israel on February 28th.
PSG has been funded by Qatari backers QSI since the club was acquired 15 years ago.
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