Le Havre vs PSG: A Clash of Ambitions in Ligue 1
As Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) aims to build momentum and widen the gap with Lens, who drew 1-1 against Strasbourg on Friday night, manager Luis Enrique has opted for a relatively consistent lineup. With qualification to the Round of 16 already secured following a 2-2 draw against Monaco (and a 3-2 victory in the first leg), Enrique is placing his trust in attacking talents Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Bradley Barcola. A notable change sees Kang-In Lee starting ahead of Gonçalo Ramos in tonight’s match against Le Havre (kick-off at 9:05 PM).
Team News and Lineups
In defense, despite a turbulent week marked by legal proceedings, Achraf Hakimi is included in the starting eleven and will captain the side in the absence of Marquinhos, who begins on the bench. He will partner with Illia Zabarnyi and Willian Pacho in the backline, while Lucas Hernandez occupies the left-back position.
Midfield sees Vitinha and Warren Zaïre-Emery continuing their partnership, joined by the young Catalan talent Dro Fernandez, making his fourth Ligue 1 appearance since arriving from Barcelona. Fabian Ruiz and Senny Mayulu are unavailable for selection.
Le Havre, seeking to pull off what manager Didier Digard calls an “upset” against PSG, has reinforced its defense following a disappointing 0-2 loss to Nantes last Sunday. The team will be without Loïc Nego and Abdoulaye Touré due to injury, and captain Arouna Sanganté is also sidelined. However, Le Havre welcomes back Stephan Zagadou and Japanese international Ayumu Seko, both of whom are expected to start in a five-man defensive formation.
Upfront, Sofiane Boufal will partner with Issa Soumaré, while Lucas Gourna-Douath will line up alongside Rassoul N’Diaye and Simon Ebonog in midfield.
Key Talking Points
- Hakimi’s Resilience: Despite off-field issues, Hakimi’s inclusion and captaincy demonstrate the club’s support and his importance to the team.
- Lee’s Opportunity: Kang-In Lee gets a chance to prove his worth in a crucial match.
- Le Havre’s Defensive Setup: Didier Digard’s decision to bolster the defense indicates a pragmatic approach to contain PSG’s potent attack.
- Fernandez’s Debut: The young Barcelona recruit gets another opportunity to showcase his talent.
This match promises to be a compelling encounter between a dominant PSG side and a determined Le Havre team looking to defy the odds. The tactical battle in midfield and Le Havre’s defensive solidity will be key factors in determining the outcome.
For more information on Ligue 1, visit the official Ligue 1 website.
