Le Havre vs PSG

Paris Saint-Germain head to the Stade Océane to take on Le Havre, looking to maintain their imperious Ligue 1 form.

Newly-promoted Le Havre hoped Andre Ayew’s acquisition on a free transfer in November would help address the club’s immense scoring problems in Ligue 1. However, the Ghanaian was sent off only two minutes into his top-flight debut against Nantes in the previous as ‘Le club doyen had to settle for a fourth goalless draw in their last five league outings (W1). Indeed, goals have been at a premium for Le Havre as they’ve failed to get on the scoresheet in six of their five most recent league matches, contributing to the division’s fourth-worst scoring record (14). PSG’s visit offers no respite, considering they’ve lost all five Ligue 1 H2Hs in the 21st century, including the last four without scoring.

In the meantime, PSG had to thank a suspended VAR official for eking out a 1-1 draw against Newcastle United in midweek Champions League action, which helped them move one step closer to reaching the competition’s knockout stages. While things are not going according to plan on the continental front, the record-time Ligue 1 champions have gone from strength to strength domestically following a relatively sluggish start. Luis Enrique’s men have won their last six league games on the trot, including an overwhelming 5-2 home triumph over fellow title bidders Monaco in the previous round. As the only Ligue 1 side yet to lose on hostile turf this season (W4, D2), ‘Les Parisiens’ would be forgiven for feeling complacent, which isn’t surprising, knowing they boast the best +9 away goal difference in the division (GF:14, GA:5).