PSG vs. Marseille: Key Issues and Decisions That Will Shape Ligue 1 Game

Le Classique is by far the biggest game in France. Marseille travel to the Parc des Princes on Sunday with a four-point lead over the rivals Paris Saint-Germain and it is one of the most anticipated meetings between the two sides for years.

Both sides have had their ups and downs this campaign. Marseille started with two games without a win before going on a run of eight straight victories. Defeat against Lyon brought Marcelo Bielsa’s side back down to earth, and they still looked a little shaky when they saw off RC Lens 3-1 last weekend.

PSG are not without their own problems. They have failed to really dominate any side that has put up a fight against them. Too often this season they have taken the lead, only to take their foot off the gas and end up dropping points.

With a number of players from each side missing and both coaches having huge decisions to make, it is building up to be one of the most interesting Classique for years.

Here are the key issues and decisions that will shape the Ligue 1 game.

To Zlatan or Not to Zlatan

Peter Dejong/Associated Press

It would be a huge risk to start Ibrahimovic.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic hasn’t started a PSG game since the 1-1 draw against Lyon on the September 21. He was only supposed to miss two to three weeks, but the heel injury has been hard to shake off, causing the Swedish forward to miss nine games in all competitions.

This week, PSG has posted pictures on social media of the 34-year-old training with the ball as he tries to make a comeback. Rumours are starting to appear that there is a chance the talismanic striker could make a surprise return this weekend against Marseille.

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ZLATAN IS COMING... pic.twitter.com/xhs43h4VEG via @loicbriley

— FFW (@FrenchFtWeekly) November 7, 2014"

It would be a huge risk for Blanc to play Ibrahimovic from the start, but just having his presence in the squad could help his side to victory.

Blanc’s other dilemma is how to get the best out of the Swede without disrupting the play some of the other players have enjoyed in his absence. Both Lucas Moura and Javier Pastore have looked much improved in a more free-flowing attack. Ibrahimovic’s style could stifle them.

Edinson Cavani is also looking for his fifth goal in five games. He may still not be playing to his absolute best, but there are signs of improvement. The Uruguayan could fold back into his shell.

Bielsa Begins the Mind Games Early

Claude Paris/Associated Press

Marcelo Bielsa will be without Andre Ayew, Jeremy Morel and Alaixys Romao for Sunday night’s game, meaning he has to deviate away from his much preferred XI, more than he ever has before.

In true Bielsa fashion, he has taken away much of the pre-match build-up by naming his starting XI on Friday afternoon.

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OM XI vs PSG (for Sunday): Mandanda - Dja Djedje, Fanni, Nkoulou, Mendy - Imbula, Lemina - Thauvin, Payet, Alessandrini - Gignac. #PSGOM

— FFW (@FrenchFtWeekly) November 7, 2014"

Despite being without three of his regulars, it hasn’t forced the Argentine coach into a change of formation, and only a small re-shuffle was required.

Brice Dja Djedje was due to miss the game through suspension, but the French league decided against the second game of his ban, meaning Bielsa’s only right-back was cleared to play.

If Dja Djedje had missed the game, the ramifications would be been wider felt and Bielsa’s decisions tougher.

Rod Fanni comes into the centre of defence, a position he has played before. Mario Lemina will take the defensive midfield role of Romao, dropping back to make a three-man defence when the full-backs push on.

The other change is a straight swap, bringing in Romain Alessandrini for Ayew. It will be the Frenchman’s third start of the season and a great opportunity to make his mark for his new club.

Revealing the starting XI two days before the game is unheard of in France, and it takes away all the suspicion and intrigue from his side and places it all at the feet of the PSG boss.

Over to you, Monsieur Blanc.

Blanc's Tough Choice Between Youth and Experience

Michel Euler/Associated Press

Marseille aren’t the only side with selection decisions to make this weekend. The suspension to Thiago Motta leaves a hole in the PSG midfield and leaves Blanc with an important decision to make.

If we assume that Ibrahimovic starts at least on the bench, Blanc could go 4-3-1-2 with Lucas and Cavani leading the line and Pastore playing in the No. 10 role.

The midfield trio would be Blaise Matuidi and Marco Verratti beside one other midfielder. That is where Blanc has an important decision to make.

Yohan Cabaye is the choice of experience, but his performances have been nothing short of terrible. With every game his confidence seems to waver and decrease, leaving him a shell of the player that moved from Newcastle United.

The other option is to play Adrien Rabiot. The 19-year-old signed a new contract last week—much to everyone’s surprise— and was on the bench for the Champions League match against Apoel.

The midfielder has yet to play a single minute this season, so he would be a huge risk, but he would be determined to make an impact and a lasting impression in front of the home support.

Playing Cabaye carries the risk of having to carry a player throughout the game and making a change if his levels of performances continue. However, picking Rabiot has its own risks.

It is a huge decision; one that could be countered by playing 4-2-3-1 but for Blanc to completely change his system for such a big game would be very uncharacteristic.