Ligue 1 preview: Beckham poised for PSG bow

14 February 2013 14:43

David Beckham is in line to make his Paris Saint-Germain debut when they face Sochaux in Ligue 1 on Sunday.

The former England captain trained with the Ligue 1 leaders on Wednesday and, despite lacking match fitness, could come off the bench at Stade Auguste Bonal.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is well clear on top of the scoring charts in the league with 21 and is likely to start against Sochaux after being sent off against Valencia on Tuesday.

The Swede has helped PSG move six points clear at the top and will be given playing time as he faces a spell on the sidelines in the Champions League.

Sochaux are winless in their past three league outings, sitting in the relegation zone and with just 22 goals in 24 games to their name, and are unlikely to trouble Carlo Ancelotti's men.

If PSG are to be put under pressure, Lyon must turn their poor form around as they travel to seventh-placed Bordeaux on Sunday.

Consecutive losses have been costly for Remi Garde's men and while their attentions may have turned to the Europa League, PSG could surge away if they are unable to return to winning ways.

While PSG have impressed, both their nearest rivals - Lyon and Marseille - have faltered.

Marseille remain third despite consecutive matches without a win, but a home clash against Valenciennes on Saturday provides them with an opportunity to get back on track.

Saint-Etienne have capitalised on Lyon and Marseille stuttering to edge to within three points of third spot.

Christophe Galtier's men are eyeing a place in Europe and travel to Stade de Reims on Sunday looking to extend their winning streak to seven.

Stade Rennes will be hoping to stay in touch with the top four with a good result at Lille in the only game on Friday.

Hoping to move further clear of the bottom three, Brest and Ajaccio do battle at Stade Francis-Le Ble on Saturday.

Reigning champions Montpellier should consolidate their spot in the top half with a win at home to lowly Nancy, while strugglers Troyes will aim to extend their unbeaten league run to four matches when they visit Toulouse.

Lorient and Evian TG clash on Saturday and Nice visit Bastia as they too look to stay in touch with the top four.