Depending on the outcome of Sunday's game against Auxerre, Paris Saint-Germain may celebrate Marquinhos' contract extension and a record 11th Ligue 1 championship. The success of Christophe Galtier's team's championship defense will be demonstrated if they are able to increase their advantage at the French summit. The hosts, who are still trying to avoid being demoted, will not make it simple for PSG, who demoted Ajaccio last weekend.
Galtier said before the game, "The final game on Sunday means that we know the other outcomes and we are on a strong run, especially away from home." "We are facing a squad that is battling for its life in front of a packed stadium, much like Troyes. We are responsible for managing the game."
Another significant development occurred on Friday at Parc des Princes when PSG announced that Marquinhos had extended his contract until 2028.
The Brazil international added, "I am thrilled to sign a contract extension, but I am also extremely proud. "For me, this is a really unique time. PSG has always demonstrated its confidence in me, and I have a great deal of faith in this team. I have no doubt that in the years to come, we will continue to do great things together."
Nasser Al-Khelaifi, chairman and CEO of PSG, continued, "We are delighted that Marquinhos has extended his stay with the PSG family. "I recall that he joined the Club when he was 19 years old. He showed remarkable commitment and a competitive attitude right away, always putting the PSG jersey first. His skill, knowledge, and dedication to the Club in football are extraordinary. As Marquinhos' career with PSG progresses, I'm confident that we will achieve many more victories together."
The news is positive, according to Galtier on Friday. "He has been with the team for ten seasons. When you can keep your greatest players, it sends a powerful message. Marquinhos is tremendously devoted to the team, which is wonderful news in my book. For the fans as well as the team. He has consistently been among the greatest defenders over the last ten years, which proves that PSG is here to stay."
Here are our plots, information on how to watch the game, and more:
How to watch and odds
- Date: Sunday, May 21 | Time: 2:45 p.m. ET
- Location: Stade de l'Abbe Deschamps -- Auxerre, France
- TV: beIN Sports USA | Live stream: fuboTV (try for free)
- Odds: Auxerre +750; Draw: +400; PSG -286 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Team news
Auxerre: M'Baye Niang, who was inactive last week, may be given a late fitness test for this one, as Radu was last week. Nuno Da Costa completed 64 minutes, allowing Niang to rejoin the lineup right away.
Radu, Raveloson, Jubal, Jeanvier, I. Toure, Mensah, B. Toure, M'Changama, Massengo, Hein, and Niang are potential members of the Auxerre XI.
PSG: Galtier explained Marco Verratti's absence from training by stating that he "got a hit on the knee." We will assess after training and hope he joins us in Auxerre. "He trained separately and it looks to be doing much better."
Since then, it has been verified that the Italian is a member of the traveling crew. After receiving a second caution, Achraf Hakimi will be sidelined for the remainder of the season along with Neymar, Presnel Kimpembe, Nordi Mukiele, and Nuno Mendes. Timothee Pembele is doubtful once more, thus Warren Zaire-Emery will probably be used as a last-resort replacement. Hugo Ekitike may pair up with Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi.
Potential PSG starting lineup: Donnarumma; Pereira; Ramos; Zaire-Emery; Ruiz; Verratti; Bernat; Messi; Ekitike; Mbappe.
Prediction
Expect PSG to put up a professional performance as they appear to be over their late-season form slump. This might make Auxerre's challenge of surviving in the last two games a little more difficult. This one may crown Les Parisiens, depending on Lens' outcome, which would inspire Galtier's troops further. Pick: PSG 3, Auxerre 1.
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