Around this point in the season, Paris Saint-Germain typically has a sizeable lead in Ligue 1. In previous such campaigns, this has not only given the club the ability to rest players down the season but also pushed up the potential date as to when it would be able to officially clinch the league title. However, this has not been the case this season, as PSG currently holds a third place standing in Ligue 1 play following matchday 14.
Meanwhile, Lille is riding the momentum as the club is at the top of the table following back-to-back key wins in league play. Still, Lille manager Christophe Galtier (via RMC Sport) does not believe that his side will be able to consistently compete with PSG for the remainder of the season.
“I don’t think we can fight against Paris for the title,” Galtier said. “We are on a good dynamic, the other teams too: Marseille, Montpellier. We have to win to maintain or deepen gaps.”
Lille will have a pair of key fixtures upcoming against Dijon and PSG. Wins in both fixtures can send a signal that the club is a serious contender in Ligue 1 this season. Galtier provided his input on both contests, especially in the early season clash against PSG.
“In my eyes, the Dijon match is more important than the match against Paris,” Galtier said. “For Dijon-Lille, there will be some exposure but Lille-PSG will have another exposure. I don’t want the players to have in mind that there is a team that will play against Dijon and another that will play against Paris. If the players can go on, they will, otherwise there will be changes.”
For PSG, this upcoming fixture against Lille has essentially now become a must win fixture. If PSG fails to pick up all three points, there may be a serious concern whether the club will be able to breeze on by to another league title.
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