Ligue 1 preview: PSG look to stay top

24 January 2013 09:02

Ligue 1 leading scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic will return to PSG's line-up after a one-match ban when the league leaders take on Lille on Sunday.

Carlo Ancelotti's side breezed past Toulouse to reach the last 16 of the Coupe de France without the Swedish international, but will no doubt welcome him back with open arms.

Kevin Gameiro was handed a rare start in his absence and scored the opener in the 3-1 win on Wednesday but will likely make way.

With 19 goals, Ibrahimovic tops the scoring charts in France's top flight, sitting seven clear of Nice forward Dario Cvitanich.

Ancelotti will breathe a sigh of relief after the 'Special One' Jose Mourinho poured cold water on any potential move to replace him as head coach in the French capital.

A 1-0 win at Bordeaux thanks to Ibrahimovic's 19th league goal moved PSG back to the summit of Ligue 1 ahead of Lyon, who could yet lose star trio Michel Bastos, Bafetimbi Gomis and Yoann Gourcuff in the transfer window.

Ancelotti is under pressure to deliver a title to Parc des Princes with his side still fighting to finish top of the table.

Lyon travel to Valenciennes on Friday and now trail PSG on goal difference with both on 42 points.

Third-placed Marseille are a point adrift and travel to Rennes on Saturday refreshed after their round-of-32 Coupe de France clash with Rouen was postponed due to a gas leak.

Bordeaux have slipped down to seventh after only one win in their past eight league games but have the chance to get back on track against fourth-placed Nice on Sunday.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Nancy are at home to Lorient, Troyes host Brest, Evian TG welcome Ajaccio, Reims do battle with Toulouse and champions Montpellier entertain Sochaux.

Coupe de la Ligue finalists Saint-Etienne host Bastia on Sunday in the remaining fixture.