Preview: Paris Saint-Germain vs. Guingamp

Paris Saint-Germain can take a step closer to retaining their Ligue 1 title on Friday night when they welcome Guingamp to the Parc des Princes.

However, they could have their work cut out against the visitors, who have enjoyed an upturn in fortunes in recent weeks.

PSG

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Paris Saint-Germain can put one hand on the French title this weekend if they record their seventh consecutive victory in Ligue 1.

Laurent Blanc's side sit three points clear of second-placed Lyon with three games left to play thanks to a dominant run of domestic form. The champions have been imperious since the end of March, taking 18 points from 18 on offer.

In total, Les Parisiens have lost just one of their last 15 matches in the league, putting them on the brink of a third championship crown in a row.

Their last outing ended in a 2-0 victory away to Nantes, with Edinson Cavani and Blaise Matuidi scoring the goals at the Stade de la Beaujoire.

PSG remain the league's most potent attacking side, having scored 72 goals in 35 games at an average of 2.06 per 90 minutes. At the other end of the pitch, they have the fourth best defensive record in the division, with 12 clean sheets to their name.

With fixtures against Montpellier and Reims to come, the champions will be eager to put pressure back on title rivals Lyon by claiming the three points this weekend.

Recent form: WWWWWW Recent form (all competitions): LWLWWW

Guingamp

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Guingamp travel to the capital in confident spirits after enjoying a resurgence in the league in recent weeks.

Jocelyn Gourvennec's men lost three consecutive games during April, but seven points from a possible nine have boosted their hopes of a top-half finish.

The visitors currently sit in 10th place in the Ligue 1 table, while a shock victory on Friday would move them to within a point of Rennes in ninth position. A draw would guarantee their safety for another season.

Gourvennec's future at the Stade du Roudourou is thought to be in doubt as Newcastle United monitor his situation, but the 43-year-old will be eager to finish the current campaign on a high following a difficult few months for his team.

Their last win came at the weekend as they earned a 2-0 victory at home to Reims. Claudio Beauvue and Christophe Mandanne both struck in the second half to give their side the three points.

Guingamp are firm underdogs heading into the match, though a 1-0 victory over PSG earlier this season should give them plenty of encouragement to do the double over the champions.

Recent form: DLLDWW Recent form (all competitions): LLLDWW

Team News

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The home side will be without the banned Gregory van der Wiel, while Serge Aurier and David Luiz are also likely to miss out through injury.

However, coach Laurent Blanc has no further fitness concerns heading into the match.

Guingamp continue to deal with a number of injuries as Laurent Dos Santos, Sambou Yatabare and Ronnie Schwartz are among a handful of names who remain out of action.

PSG possible starting lineup: Douchez; Digne, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, Maxwell; Matuidi, Motta, Pastore, Verratti; Ibrahimovic, Cavani

Guingamp possible starting lineup: Lossl; Baca, Kerbrat, Sorbon, Lamaitre; Beauvue, Diallo, Sankhare, Cardy; Marveaux, Mandanne

Head To Head

Guingamp inflicted a first league defeat of the season on PSG back in December as Jeremy Pied's goal made the difference at the Stade du Roudourou.

However, PSG have the superior record overall, winning 27 matches compared to 11 triumphs for their opponents. The last time that Guingamp earned a victory at the Parc des Princes was back in February 2002.

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We say: PSG 2-0 Guingamp

Knowing that a win would put them tantalisingly close to another Ligue 1 title, PSG will be the firm favourites to win this match. The fact that the championship is within touching difference is a big enough incentive for Les Parisiens, but their recent run of form also means that they will be expected to come away with the points. Guingamp have turned a corner in recent weeks, though it will be extremely difficult for them to halt Laurent Blanc's side.