PARIS: Ligue 1 leader Paris Saint-Germain face their biggest rival Marseille at Parc des Princes on Sunday.
Marseille’s longstanding bragging rights as the only French side to win the Champions League finally ended when PSG won it in emphatic style last season. On the domestic front, PSG have pulled away from Marseille with 13 Ligue 1 titles compared to nine.
PSG have won their four league games so far.
“We know the importance of this match, for the fans and the club,” PSG coach Luis Enrique said.
“It’s a strong rivalry.”
Marseille have improved under coach Roberto De Zerbi but the players still lack confidence and De Zerbi demanded they show more daring and ambition after Tuesday’s 2-1 loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Second-placed Lille are the only other unbeaten side and have a northern derby at Lens on Saturday.
Key matchups
Marseille captain Leonardo Balerdi could be in for a busy night, whoever he faces.
While it might be a relief that he doesn’t have to deal with injured stars Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué, his performance in central defense is crucial to Marseille’s chances.
It’s a question of which Balerdi will turn up.
Will it be the combative and rugged Balerdi who did well in a man-marking role against Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé on Tuesday? Or the error-prone Balerdi who has given away clumsy goals since joining four years ago?
PSG defenders will keep a close eye on Marseille forward Mason Greenwood. He set up United States winger Tim Weah’s goal against Madrid and has two goals and three assists so far in Ligue 1.
Players to watch
Aladji Bamba is the latest player to come through Monaco’s reputed youth academy.
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