Matchday 6: PSG vs. Lyon

By: Thomas | September 19th, 2009

This is one of the biggest matches of the season regardless of circumstances, but our current predicament brings it to a whole new level. The season started strongly, very strongly in fact, with the only disappointment coming with the draw in Montpellier. Last week PSG suffered a cruel loss to AS Monaco in which we conceded two goals and had a player, a vital one at that, sent off in the last five minutes. Very disappointing. This means that a negative result in this game could put us way out of the title chase, and possibly out of the European spots. However, a positive result would revamp the morale of the squad and declare our intentions, showing that Monaco was just a blip in the radar.

Unfortunately, this is Lyon we’re facing. The seven time French champions are undefeated this season, with their only draw coming against Le Mans on Matchday 1. They have won their three Champions League games, scoring 9 goals and conceding 2. Here’s what their squad for the match looks like: Gardiens de but: Hugo Lloris, Rémy Vercoutre. Défenseurs: Cristiano Marques Cris, Mathieu Bodmer, Nicolas Seguin, Anthony Réveillère, François Clerc, Aly Cissokho. Milieux de terrain: Jérémy Toulalan, Kim Källström, Maxime Gonalons, Jean II Makoun, Miralem Pjanic, Honorato Campos Ederson, Cesar Delgado. Attaquants: Bafétimbi Gomis, Sidney Govou, Lisandro Lopez. I believe that means that Boumsong, Anderson, and Bastos (phew) are out due to injury, while Belfodil and Tafer among others have not been selected. Still, if a lineup like this doesn’t scare you…
Lloris
Reveillere Cris Bodmer Cissokho
Govou Toulalan Makoun Kallstrom
Gomis Lisandro
…and with subs like Ederson, Delgado, and Pjanic, than you’re officially insane.

Visit the Lyon Offside sometime before the match to get a better sense of the Les Gones state of affairs.

On our side of things, it’s looking grim. Stephane Sessegnon has been suspended for two games (still don’t know what he did), while Erding and Camara are still out. Who do we play on the left? I’ve seen Giuly slotted in there on a few sites, with Jallet getting the start on the right, but who knows. Do we change formation? I’m thinking we should try something like this:
Coupet
Ceara Traore Sakho Armand
Chantome Makelele Clement
Giuly Hoarau Luyindula

I think that’s our best option at the moment. Anyway, Gregory Coupet has a nice interview about playing against his old club:

Grégory, how do you feel on the eve of taking on your former club Lyon?
“When you spend 11 and a half years in one club, and when you experience such incredible things together, obviously that creates a strong bond. On Sunday, I’ll meet up with a family I know very well and respect and with whom I still have very good relations. It’ll be a special match. Honestly, it’s going to be great, a real pleasure. I’ve caught up with everyone, the players, the staff, the board… plenty of good memories and I can’t wait to see them all again.”

Do you regret leaving Lyon?
“No. I needed to leave. They offered me a new deal, but I wanted to experience something different, live something different. It was also a family decision. I really don’t have any regrets. If it didn’t work out in a sporting sense at Atletico Madrid, it was still an incredible year. And it also helped me find all the motivation I have today.”

Are you worried after the 2-0 loss to Monaco?
“Not at all. It was disappointing because we’d worked well for two weeks, with a great atmosphere, in preparation. We played well against Monaco despite the terrible conditions. We got caught out on a counterattack but that also means that team was trying to attack and play football. We showed ambition, the desire to attack and not settle for the draw. We could have sat back, closed out the game. The coach pushes us to get forward, constantly. It’s not the type of defeat to leave you doubting.”

Is the match against Lyon even more important after the Monaco loss?
“I don’t think so. I play every game to win, especially at home. The Parc des Princes needs to be our impenetrable fortress. Whether we’re playing Lille or Lyon, we need to win. Lyon aren’t unbeatable. We have respect for everyone we play, but I Sunday, we’ll be looking for the three points. It’s an important match – a match to win.”

Mevlut Erding and Stéphane Sessegnon will be missing. Is that a big handicap?
“We’ll miss them both because they are both great players. But we can’t focus on that. These moments are all part of a season. It’s a shame for “Sess”. As for “Mev”, anyone can get injured. We have to cover these absentees with hard work and our excellent team spirit. Their replacements will fit-in in the best possible way and give the absolute maximum. We have to keep the faith and not start doubting.”

What do you think of Hugo Lloris, the man that replaced you in the Lyon goal?
“I think he’s an incredible player, remarkably consistent. He was solid and efficient Fiorentina in midweek. He’s more mature than I was at that age. He’s much better than I was at that age. His mentor, Joël Bats, will take him right to the top of the tree. He’s going to become a truly great goalkeeper.”

With all the hype surrounding the result I’ve go to make a prediction. 3-2 for Lyon.

Here’s the Liveblog i’ll be running tomorrow. I hope all of you will join in!
<a href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php?option=com_mobile&task=viewaltcast&altcast_code=db1b25da1c">PSG vs. Lyon Liveblog</a>

Allez PSG!