Preview: Paris Saint-Germain vs. Lorient

Paris Saint-Germain will be eager to reignite their Ligue 1 title defence on Friday when they host struggling Lorient.

The champions slipped two points behind leaders Lyon on the weekend with a dramatic 3-2 defeat away to Bordeaux.

Laurent Blanc's side looked on course for a share of the spoils at the Stade Chaban-Delmas before Diego Rolan struck late for the hosts.

PSG have been in indifferent form over the past few weeks, winning just two of their last six games in the top flight.

Their defeat to Bordeaux was compounded by Zlatan Ibrahimovic's alleged rant at the French league following the game. However, the enigmatic striker was quick to apologise for his outburst.

Lorient, who are currently in 15th place in the table, boosted their hopes of survival last Saturday thanks to a 2-1 victory over 10-man Caen - a result that ended a run of two consecutive losses.

Sylvain Ripoll's men have found wins hard to come by this season, triumphing just 10 times out of 29 matches so far.

PSG earned a narrow 2-1 victory when the teams met in the reverse fixture in November as second-half goals from Edinson Cavani and Jean-Christophe Bahebeck turned the game in the visitors' favour.

The Parisiens will be without the suspended David Luiz, while Marquinhos, Serge Aurier and Lucas Moura all remain sidelined. Valentin Lavigne and Mathias Autret are both unavailable for the away side.

PSG:

Form in Ligue 1: DDWDWL Form in all competitions: WDWWDL

Possible starting lineup: Sirigu; Digne, Silva, Van der Wiel, Maxwell; Verratti, Motta, Matuidi; Cavani, Ibrahimovic, Pastore

Lorient:

Form in Ligue 1: WDWLLW

Possible starting lineup: Lecomte; Kone, Le Goff, Guerreiro, Lautoa, Gassama; Abdullah, Mesloub, Philippoteaux; Ayew, Jeannot

Sports Mole says: 2-0