Top 5 predictions for PSG vs Lille | Ligue 1 2021-22

#3 Georginio Wijnaldum to get a chance to prove his worth

Paris Saint Germain v RC Strasbourg - Ligue 1 Uber Eats

PSG’s midfield maestro Marco Verratti picked up a knock during the club's 0-0 draw with Marseille in Sunday’s Le Classique. Upon closer inspection, a hip injury has been identified, ruling him out for about four weeks.

In his absence, summer signing Gini Wijnaldum could get the opportunity to lead PSG’s midfield against Lille, and he must make the most of it.

Wijnaldum, who is yet to score or assist for his new employers, has only started one of PSG’s last six games in all competitions, coming as a substitute in the remaining five fixtures. He has not looked the sharpest when on the pitch, which is making it harder and harder for him to climb up the pecking order at the Parc des Princes.

With Verratti out for a couple of matches, Wijnaldum could get his starting berth back. This time, through some impressive performances, he must find a way to keep his place in the team.

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#2 Lionel Messi to open his account in Ligue 1

Paris Saint-Germain v RB Leipzig: Group A - UEFA Champions League

Former Barcelona captain Lionel Messi took his sweet time finding the back of the net for the first time in PSG colors. Now that he has finally popped his cherry, everyone is expecting him to make a habit of it.

Messi has already scored three goals in as many UEFA Champions League appearances, but he is yet to score or assist in Ligue 1.

Messi was expected to be the difference-maker in Sunday’s Le Classique, but that did not go according to plan. Against an out-of-shape Lille, Messi is likely to find more joy, both as a creator and scorer.

The Argentine has always been good at unlocking stubborn defenses and we will not bet against him on Friday.

Expect the six-time Ballon d’Or winner to score or assist against the defending champions this week.

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#1 PSG to get narrow win over Lille

Paris Saint-Germain v RB Leipzig: Group A - UEFA Champions League

In their last three Ligue 1 games, PSG were beaten 2-0 by Rennes, beat Angers 2-1 at home, and then drew 0-0 at Marseille. It is evident that Mauricio Pochettino’s side are not enjoying their best of runs in Ligue 1.

Yes, they do have a comfortable seven-point cushion at the top of Ligue 1, but that is down to their explosive start to the season. Pochettino’s PSG are still figuring out their best combination and are yet to live up to the hype.

That being said, a struggling Lille side probably do not have enough to keep PSG’s star-studded attack at bay. They might dig deep and frustrate PSG for the majority of the match, but Lille are unlikely to walk away with maximum points.

We expect PSG to struggle but ultimately land a knockout punch. We predict a 2-1 win for the hosts on Friday.