Match Previews

Fringe squad again likely from les Parisiens... Arnaud (sp)(mid) and Sessegnon (r)(mid) are the only injury concerns... Sankharé (sp)(mid) has dropped out of the squad - Mabiala (sp)(def) replaces him... Paris Saint-Germain’s good run in Ligue 1 came to an end on Sunday evening as they were defeated 1-0 away to Rennes. Having beaten several of the top French sides in recent weeks, hopes had been high that les Parisiens could upset the Bretons, who are unbeaten since week two of the season. Although Paul Le Guen’s side controlled much of the game, particularly in the second half, they would not be able to find a breakthrough. Thursday will see les Parisien go to the City of Manchester Stadium, where they will try to upset Manchester City, a side not exactly flourishing in the Premier League at present. The UEFA Cup remains far from the top of PSG’s priority list as was displayed last midweek, where they fielded a fringe squad at home against Racing Santander. Although a creditable 1-1 draw was obtained (and perhaps should have been bettered), it was of little consequence to Le Guen, who is likely to stick stubbornly to picking weakened sides in the UEFA Cup. Mickaël Landreau, who produced two superb saves last weekend, shall stay in goal but he will be protected by a much-altered defence. Sakho is likely to come into a centre-back slot while Camara should continue in the heart of the defence after Sammy Traoré has played the last three games. Full-backs Ceara and Armand are also likely to play. Rothen could be the only midfielder retained as Bourillon and Sankharé played against Santander. Sessegnon is injured and sits out. Pancrate should feature on the right if Le Guen’s recent UEFA Cup selections are anything to go by. In attack, Mateja Kezman and Peguy Luyindula, both of whom scored against the Spaniards last Thursday, should be paired together in attack. PSG could field a far stronger line-up but the likes of Giuly, Makélélé and Hoarau are likely to be consigned to the bench. Arnaud is injured and is joined on the sidelines by Sankharé, who was originally in the squad. Mabiala, a right-back, comes into contention.