Paris Saint-Germain travel to the Stade Océane on Friday (7pm local time) with renewed confidence after a convincing run of results. The Parisian club, currently fifth in Ligue 1 with 14 points from seven games, is on a four-match winning streak. With a record of four wins, two draws, and one loss, the team's recent form reads three wins and two losses from their last five outings. Their attack has already produced fourteen league goals while conceding nine.
This positive sequence began with a 3-1 win over Le Mans in the Coupe de France, followed by two Champions League victories against Manchester City (4-2) and Barcelona (4-2). In that latter match, Parisian goals were scored by Désiré Doue, Lucas Hernández, Vitinha, and Fabián Ruiz. In the league, Paris Saint-Germain also won at Strasbourg (3-1) last week, a match where Ilya Zabarnyi, Ousmane Dembélé, and Désiré Doue found the net. This momentum contrasts with two defeats suffered earlier in October, explaining a recent patchy form of three wins and two losses from their last five outings.
The squad is expected to be nearly identical to the one that dominated Barcelona. Safonov will keep goal, shielded by a defence of Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho and Lucas Hernández, who scored in the last match. The midfield will be orchestrated by João Neves, Vitinha and Fabián Ruiz, each of whom found the net against the Catalans. The attack will be led by Désiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia. The season's top scorer, Ferran Torres with four goals, will also be a valuable option.
Opponents Le Havre are coming off a 1-3 home defeat to Auxerre and will be looking to make amends. The Norman side will likely field Gallon in goal, with a defence anchored by Fofana and Mwanga. Their lack of pressure could work in their favour against a Paris Saint-Germain side that must keep winning to close the two-point gap to leaders Rennes.
Before this fixture, Paris host Lyon at home this Monday in a key top-of-the-table clash against the side currently sitting fourth. The schedule is demanding, and squad management will be key. Paris Saint-Germain must maintain their attacking rhythm, having already scored 14 goals in 7 league matches. The next challenge, at Le Havre, is a mandatory step to stay in the title race.
