'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
In the first Le Classique of the 2021-22 campaign, PSG will face Marseille at the Stade Velodrome on Sunday night.
It's the biggest rivalry in Ligue 1, and always tends to brings out the best in the two teams. PSG returned to winning ways in their previous Ligue 1 outing against Angers after falling to their first league defeat of the season at Rennes earlier this month.
Marseille were also victorious in their previous league outing, recording a 4-1 win over Lorient to end a four-game winless run. They are the second-highest goalscorers behind PSG in the league, having found the back of the net 18 times this season.
PSG have been prolific in front of goal this campaign, scoring 24 times, so they are expected to have a great outing in this game. Lionel Messi scored twice in the Champions League, and this game provides him the perfect opportunity to open his account in Ligue 1.
With bragging rights at stake, there could be great performance from both teams in this game. There are a few highly talented players in the ranks of both teams. On that note, here's a look at the five players to watch out for in this game.
#5 Matteo Guendouzi | Marseille
Matteo Guendouzi himself found himself on yet another loan spell away from Arsenal, but he has finally hit form with Marseille. The former PSG youth player has flourished in the free-flowing style of play implemented by Jorge Sampaoli at the club.
His abilities were on display in Marseille's 4-1 win over Lorient, where he scored a goal, bagged an assist and his press led to a Lorient own goal. While he has been more involved in the game going forward, he wins the ball more than anyone else does in the team (12).
Guendouzi has a couple of goals and assists in the league this season, and has had a pass accuracy of 91.3% in the league.
#4 Neymar | PSG
Neymar's involvement in this game was in doubt after he missed the Champions League game against RB Leipzig. But he has recovered well, and is in contention to start against Marseille.
PSG have won eight of their last ten games against Olympique Marseille, who are looking for their first victory at the Velodrome against the capital club in ten years.
Neymar has had a relatively slow start to his campaign, bagging just one goal and two assists in the league. While Messi and Mbappe have clicked well, Neymar is yet to play his best football this season just yet,.
You may also like: 10 football players with the most fans in the world.
#3 Lionel Messi | PSG
PSG came back from behind to record a 3-2 win over RB Leipzig in the Champions League, thanks to a seven-minute brace from Lionel Messi. While the Argentine is yet to open his account in Ligue 1, it's safe to say a goal is on the horizon.
Messi had a great campaign last season with Barcelona, and is expected to build on that with his new club now. The 34-year-old will be making his debut in the Classique. Considering his record in high-stakes fixtures like El Clasico, Messi can be expected to shine under pressure.
Neymar scored on his debut in the fixture, while Mbappe failed to find the back of the net. So Messi will hope to emulate his former Barcelona teammate and end his much-awaited goal drought in the league.
#2 Dimitri Payet | Marseille
Dimitri Payet has looked very good with the ball at his feet this season, and has been the standout player for Marseille. In just six appearances, he has scored five goals and bagged four assists.
Last season, he had ten assists as Marseille finished fifth. He has already notched up four this campaign. PSG should be wary of him, as he can single-handedly change the outcome of games.
PSG have kept only four clean sheets this season and conceded ten goals. So there might be some shortcomings in their defence which Payet will look to capitalise on.
#1 Kylian Mbappe | PSG
Kylian Mbappe has been one of the best PSG players this season; his goal involvement has ensured a top-of-the-table spot for the capital club. His importance to PSG can be ascertained by the fact that he is the only player to have started every game for them this term.
Mbappe has rewarded Mauricio Pochettino's faith in him by delivering eye-catching performances, scoring five goals and picking up four assists this season. He has been in great touch in 2021, scoring the winning goal for France in their UEFA Nations League final triumph over Spain.
You may also like: 5 footballers with most Ballon d'Or 30-man shortlist appearances in history.
