Marquinhos extends contract as PSG takes on relegation-threatened AJA.

2024-09-22

AJ Auxerre, desperate to stay above the relegation zone, face a daunting challenge as they host title-chasing Paris Saint-Germain at Stade de l'Abbé-Deschamps this Sunday.

Auxerre

Auxerre suffered a 1-0 loss to Brest last weekend and were left alternating between a draw and a loss in their last four games (WDLDL). They remain in 16th place, one point above the bottom four, with 34 points after 8 wins, 10 draws, and 17 losses.

This will be the first time Auxerre will host Paris in Ligue 1 since April 2012 (1-1). They aim to better Nantes’ result in a bid to remain afloat.

AJA are unbeaten in their last three home games against PSG in the top-flight (1 win, 2 draws) and hope to extend the unbeaten run to four this weekend. They are also unbeaten in their last seven home games in Ligue 1 (3 wins, 4 draws), with only Lille on a longer ongoing such run among current top-flight teams.

However, AJA have a 70% chance of being relegated and remain the team most likely to join Angers, Troyes, and Ajaccio in Ligue 2 next season, according to Opta. They have lost all four of their games against teams in Ligue 1’s top three this season, including a 5-0 loss against Paris in the reverse fixture.

A 4–2–3–1 formation with M'Baye Niang in attack is expected from Christophe Pélissier for this clash against PSG.

Paris Saint Germain

Les Parisiens smashed AC Ajaccio to pieces in a 5-0 win last weekend to remain six points ahead of second-placed Lens. PSG have 81 points from 26 wins, 3 draws, and 6 losses, following back-to-back victories.

Les Parisiens have 13 away wins this season in Ligue 1 and are hoping to better Lens’ result on matchday 36. Doing so would see them crowned champions for a record 11th time in Ligue 1 history, making them the most successful club in the competition.

A 3-4-3 formation with Lionel Messi, Mbappe, and Hugo Ekitike in attack is expected against Auxerre. Christophe Galtier will be without as many as five players, while Achraf Hakimi is suspended following a red card against Ajaccio.

In addition, Marco Verratti, who could leave the club at the end of the season, is a major doubt for the weekend's clash. Marquinhos put pen to paper for a contract extension that will keep him at the club until 2027/28.

"Paris Saint-Germain are delighted to announce they have agreed a contract extension with Marquinhos. The Brazilian defender, 29, will continue his journey with the Rouge-et-Bleu through to 30 June 2028," a statement from PSG read.