PFC know it. They will need to battle in order to secure their safety in the top-flight this. For the time being, the newly promoted side is meeting its objectives, sitting in 14th place in the table. However, in recent weeks they have struggled in Ligue 1, collecting just two points from the last three matchdays, with draws against Auxerre (1–1) and away at Le Havre (0–0).
Paris Saint-Germain continue their pursuit of top spot. The Rouge et Bleu are currently second in the table, just one point behind leaders Lens. Before the winter break, the club from the capital enjoyed a perfect December in the league, with a dazzling victory over Rennes (5–0) followed by another win away at Metz (2-3).
2 – Paris FC have kept clean sheets in 2 of their last 3 Ligue 1 away matches.
5 – Paris Saint-Germain have won 5 of their last 6 league matches, taking home 15 points from a possible 18.
6 – The Rouge et Bleu have kept 6 clean sheets in their last 7 home matches in the league.
38 – Paris haven't lost any of their last 38 encounters with a newly promoted side in Ligue 1, with a record of 34 wins and 4 draws.
In goal, Stéphane Gilli is expected to once again rely on former Germany international Kevin Trapp. The ex–Rouge et Bleu goalkeeper has made the most of his opportunity in recent weeks, getting the better of France U21 international Obed Nkambadio. In central defence, Moustapha Mbow has established himself as one of the mainstays of the Parisian starting XI, alongside Otávio, a leader at the heart of the back line. Away at the Africa Cup of Nations, Samir Chergui will not be available, nor will Hamari Traoré.
As a result, Nhoa Sangui could start the match at right-back, a position he is less accustomed to, allowing Thibault De Smet or Tuomas Ollila to feature on the left flank. In the holding midfield role, Pierre Lees-Melou remains doubtful for the fixture. Should the former Brest man be unavailable, Adama Camara could step in, in a midfield where key figures Vincent Marchetti and Maxime Lopez, Paris FC’s captain, are expected to feature.
In attack, last season’s Ligue 2 runners-up have to deal with several absences due to the Africa Cup of Nations: Jean-Philippe Krasso with Ivory Coast, and above all Moses Simon with Nigeria and Ilan Kebbal with Algeria. On the left wing, Alimami Gory could take advantage of the situation to start at the Parc des Princes, while Willem Geubbels is a candidate to lead the line. However, the former Olympique Lyonnais man will face competition from Jonathan Ikoné, who can operate both centrally and on the right flank.
The France international would be facing his former club, and if he were to start as a false No. 9, then former Saint-Étienne player Mathieu Cafaro could be named in the starting XI on the right wing. Despite the absentees, Paris FC will still have plenty of assets to call upon against their fellow Parisians.
