Sixteen years later, Le Mans are back in Ligue 1. And in just a handful of matches, Les Sang et Or have already shown that they can compete at this level. Most recently, the Sarthe-based side held Nice to a 1–1 draw at the Allianz Riviera, before doing the same against Lens a week later (2–2). Before the international break, Le Mans even secured their first win of the season against Lorient (2–1), extending their unbeaten run in the top flight to three consecutive matches. So far, only Rennes have managed to beat the newly promoted side, helped by a numerical advantage and a stoppage-time penalty (3–2).
Paris Saint-Germain should therefore expect a tricky encounter against a confident Le Mans side. In recent weeks, however, confidence has also been growing within the Parisian ranks, with their clinical finishing returning and a run of three consecutive victories now underway. It all began… at the Parc des Princes, as it happens, with a spectacular start to their Champions League campaign against Slovan Bratislava (6–1). Since then, Luis Enrique’s men have overcome Brest (0–1) and won Le Classique in Marseille (1–2). Following those two successful away trips, Les Rouge et Bleu are now preparing to return to the Parc des Princes, looking to extend their positive run of form.
1 – Le Mans FC have only lost one of their last eight league away matches (3 wins, 4 draws), it was at Rennes in August (3-2).
10 – Paris Saint-Germain have won 10 of their last 15 matches in all competitions against Le Mans (3 draws, 2 defeats), but they haven't faced each other in Ligue 1 since May 2010.
106 – With 106 efforts on goal, Paris are the team with the most shots in Ligue 1 this season. They are also the side with the most touches of the ball in the opposition box this year (175).
In goal for Le Mans, head coach Patrick Videira is expected to stick with Nicolas Kocik, who should once again be preferred to Ewan Hatfout. In front of him, captain Samuel Yohou will, of course, start. He is expected to be joined in defence by Harold Voyer, who was born in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, and Raúl Torrente, who arrived on loan from Dinamo Zagreb. The Spaniard should therefore step in for the experienced Djibril Sidibé, who is suspended for the match.
At right wing-back, Rayan Bamba has established himself as a regular starter. The defender, on loan from Rennes, has been indispensable to his team since the start of the season and is expected to be favoured over Lucas Buades against the Parisians. On the opposite flank, Algerian international Yasser Larouci is competing with Lucas Calodat, but neither player has managed to secure the position so far. In midfield, Lucas Bretelle could start in the holding midfield role, potentially leaving Alexandre Lauray on the bench when the match kicks off.
Further forward, Jean Vercruysse continues to grow in influence. The Le Mans No. 10 is now establishing himself as the creative heartbeat of the Sarthe side, well supported by Adil Bourabaa. The newly capped Algerian international has made an exceptional start to the season, already recording three goals and two assists in five league matches. Injured, Martin Rossignol is unlikely to return in time to face Les Rouge et Bleu. As for Edwin Quarshi, the Central African international is no longer part of Le Mans’ plans and is also unlikely to feature at the Parc des Princes this Saturday.
Up front, several players are competing for the two starting spots. While Senegalese international Dame Gueye was one of the key figures in Le Mans’ promotion to the top flight last year, Louis Mafouta is now making a name for himself in the Sarthe, having already scored three goals this season. Having joined from Guingamp during the summer transfer window, he is expected to lead the line alongside the experienced Habib Diallo, who has scored 58 goals in Ligue 1. The Senegalese international, who enjoyed successful spells at Metz and Strasbourg in recent years, is back in France. Antoine Rabillard could therefore be called upon as an impact substitute during the match, alongside Algerian international Billal Brahimi.
