Le Havre will rely on their positive home form to try and stop Ligue 1 title favourites PSG in their tracks on Saturday.

A few Ligue 1 teams, particularly RC Lens, will be keeping a close eye on Le Havre and how they perform in their upcoming fixture against PSG. Didier Digard’s side are unbeaten at home in five Ligue 1 games and have won their last two, but they face a mammoth task to secure a third consecutive victory at this venue.

Le Havre are currently comfortable in their mid-table position and holds a nine-point advantage over the relegation zone, meaning they might be under slightly less pressure heading into the weekend. However, they have a big challenge ahead against the reigning champions and league leaders, PSG.

Meanwhile, PSG have enjoyed a positive week overall, beginning with a win on the last matchday against Metz. The victory was much needed and showed character, especially after leaders RC Lens suffered a home defeat against Monaco.

For PSG, a response was paramount, and their win over Metz ensured they regained top spot with a two-point advantage. The Parisians also booked their place in the Champions League round of 16 with a narrow aggregate win over AS Monaco, who competed well despite difficult circumstances.

Now, PSG have been drawn against Chelsea for the next round, with the first leg of their knockout tie to be played in London. For now, Luis Enrique will be keen to refocus his side on domestic matters, as the Spanish manager will certainly want to enjoy Champions League football without additional pressure from Ligue 1.

Team News & Tactics

Le Havre

Didier Digard will enter the weekend with a few key players missing, and another in serious doubt to feature. Stephan Zagadou faces a late fitness test, while Ayumu Seko, Abdoulaye Toure, and Etienne Youte will all miss out. Furthermore, Arouna Sangante is suspended, forcing Digard to tinker with his selection.

The Le Havre boss is expected to persist with a 4-3-3 setup against PSG, with the team featuring Gautier Lloris and Timothee Pembele in central defence, while Loic Nego and Yanis Zouaoui occupy the full-back positions.

Rassoul Ndiaye will operate at the base of midfield, supported by Lucas Gourna-Douath and Simon Ebonog. Issa Soumare should lead the line for Le Havre against PSG, with Fode Doucoure and Sofiane Boufal providing width in the front three.

Probable Line-up (4-3-3): Diaw; Nego, Lloris, Pembele, Zouaoui; Gourna-Douath, Ndiaye, Ebonog; Doucoure, Soumare, Boufal

PSG

Luis Enrique is expected to rotate his squad again for this clash following a demanding UEFA Champions League encounter in midweek. Defensive changes are likely, with Lucas Hernandez, Lucas Beraldo, and Illia Zabarnyi all set to return to the backline.

January arrival Dro Fernandez could be handed another start in midfield, with Enrique also likely to retain Warren Zaire-Emery and Vitinha in the centre. PSG remain without key players Ousmane Dembele and Fabian Ruiz ahead of the game against Le Havre, while Quentin Ndjantou is still sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Desire Doue may keep his place in the PSG attack, while Goncalo Ramos could replace Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Bradley Barcola is expected to retain his spot in the Ligue 1 clash with Le Havre this weekend.

Probable Line-up (4-3-3): Safonov; Hakimi, Zabarnyi, Beraldo, Hernandez; Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Fernández; Doue, Ramos, Barcola

Key Stats

• Le Havre are unbeaten in their last five home games in Ligue 1.
• Le Havre have won only two league matches against teams currently in the top half of the table.
• PSG have won 11 of their last 12 matches against Le Havre in all competitions.
• Paris Saint-Germain have scored at least two goals in each of their last nine matches against Le Havre in all competitions.

Player to Watch

Goncalo Ramos

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The continued absence of Ousmane Dembele provides another opportunity for Ramos to impress. Despite being perceived as a rotation option, the Portuguese forward has featured in 35 games this season. However, the lack of consistent minutes has limited his goal tally.

Games like this one against Le Havre offer Ramos the chance to reaffirm his importance in Enrique’s plans, as the manager will need every player sharp for the season’s run-in. A goal or two here would be a strong sign of progress and help PSG maintain their advantage at the top.

Prediction

Le Havre 1-3 PSG

Le Havre’s home form has been impressive, but using that momentum against a formidable side like PSG may prove difficult. Their five-game unbeaten run could come to an end, as Luis Enrique’s team are likely to have too much quality on the day.

PSG are in a strong position after a demanding few fixtures and will look to build on that momentum. Enrique will want a comfortable win, and his side could well achieve that on the road this weekend.