week 2 Bordeaux preview part two

By: j | August 15th, 2008

In continuation of part one of the Bordeaux match preview, my clear point is that Laurent Blanc has assembled the squad most likely to threaten Lyonnais title dominance in quite some time.

If Bordeaux has a weakness in its opening line-up, it was likely exposed against Caen and primarily discipline flaws in maintaining lines through the attack and being susceptible to the counter-attack. However let me also stress, any weakness is minor and to defeat Bordeaux you will need to capitalize on the rare opportunities that are provided and equally play a controlled style of play to keep the ball from their midfield. With the exclusion of Yoan Gouffran and Yoann Gourcuff in the expected starting grid this is a very experienced squad that will not make many errors. Against Caen the score didn’t reflect how they dominated play and if it wasn’t for weaknesses in finishing, they would have put up quite a few more goals. Bordeaux will be without Marouane Chamakh and left-back Diego Placente but their depth is very secure and they will be able to cover quite-well, particularly with Fernando Cavenaghi handling striking duties.

For PSG to be successful and reverse Bordeaux’s two year victory streak at Parc des Princes, they will need to improve upon the tactically solid first forty-five minutes in Monaco last week. The return of Stéphane Sessegnon will turn the attack on its end with him serving Ludovic Giuly and Guillaume Hoarau up-front. Jérôme Rothen and Jérémy Clément will need to be aggressive as well as push the creative envelope but cannot be caught over-committing or Bordeaux will draw-in PSG advances towards the middle of the pitch to further launch a flanking counter attack. Claude Makélélé will need to be at his absolute best to safeguard PSG against the advances of Bordeaux or it will be a very challenging evening for Mickaël Landreau. The biggest concern is the back-line, which as noted in my Monaco review needs a significant upgrade in marking as well as experience and composure and it is time for Sammy Traoré to be in the starting grid.

Beyond that the key to this match can be summarized in a few simple notions, efficiency and work-rate. PSG will need to play a flawless technical match with an extremely high energy level to be successful tomorrow evening.

With the match starting 9pm local time tomorrow, I will be provide a full match review after it concludes.