Kayserispor UEFA Cup match preview

By: j | October 1st, 2008

Following PSG’s 2-1 victory in the opening leg against Kayserispor, Paul Le Guen’s club has the upper-hand as the second-leg of the series heads to Parc des Princes.

The opening match concluded in a stunning fashion as Paraguayan international Delio Toledo drew the match level with three minutes left to the delight of their highly supportive home fans. The with time running out, Péguy Luyindula scored the winning goal off a long pass from Cearà’s to give PSG a 2-1 victory.

Since that match both clubs have had their ups and downs. Tolunay Kafkas’ Kayserispor lost to Bursaspor before defeating rival Eskişehirspor 1-0 this past weekend. PSG’s fortunes have not been so kind and they are additionally fighting fatigue with added demand in the Coupe de Ligue. In successive weeks of Ligue 1 play they have lost to Saint-Étienne and Grenoble in matches best described as uninspired and marked with unimaginative attacking plans. While it is very early in the campaign PSG is showing signs of club dealing with mid-season both physical and mental fatigue.

With the aggregate 2-1 lead and the important two “away” goals, PSG is likely to take a more defensive position and rely upon Kayserispor’s own attacking woes. While this might not be a full fledged catenaccio, expect a tight lock to thwart the visitors attacking forces of Mehmet Topuz, Mehmet Boyraz and Julius Aghahowa. PSG’s efforts will be greatly impacted with the loss of both Claude Makélélé and Ludovic Giuly for the match and will need Clément Chantôme to Jérémy Clément to play to their best if the club is to advance.

I will report upon the match as it concludes.