Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) made history in midweek by becoming the first team to eliminate Liverpool from a European knockout tie after the Reds had won the first leg away from home. The Parisians secured a famous 1-0 victory at Anfield before sealing progression on penalties, setting up a quarter-final clash with Aston Villa. However, their immediate focus now shifts back to domestic matters as they prepare for another high-stakes edition of Le Classique.
PSG enter this encounter with a commanding 16-point lead over second-placed Marseille ahead of the round. The league leaders could potentially wrap up the title by early April, and their recent dominance over their arch-rivals makes them favorites once again. Having won the last five Ligue 1 H2H meetings without conceding a goal, PSG will aim to maintain their stronghold, although their recent defensive record suggests a clean sheet is not guaranteed. The Parisians have conceded exactly once in each of their last six Ligue 1 home matches (W4, D2), highlighting a slight vulnerability at the back.
Despite being PSG’s closest challengers, Marseille’s significant 16-point deficit underlines the gap in quality within Ligue 1. Manager Roberto De Zerbi has had a respectable debut season, with the team accumulating more points at this stage than in three of the last four campaigns. However, two defeats in their last three league matches (W1) have ended any faint hopes of catching PSG.
Marseille’s recent form is concerning, with more losses in their last three Ligue 1 outings than in their previous 11 combined (W8, D2, L1). However, their impressive away record could provide a much-needed boost. With nine wins in 12 away league games this season (L3), Marseille will hope to avoid the ignominy of failing to score in six consecutive Ligue 1 matches against the same opponent for the first time in their history.
Players to Watch: PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé (G20) is in blistering form, scoring in five successive home league games while also assisting in his last four appearances against Marseille. Meanwhile, Marseille’s Mason Greenwood (G15) remains his closest pre-round challenger for the Ligue 1 golden boot, with his last four goals all coming after half-time as the second strike of the game.
Hot Stat: PSG have scored in both halves in a joint-league high seven home matches this season, showcasing their attacking consistency and firepower.
