Marseille, France – PSG has won four straight since a slow start in Ligue 1, and can move to the summit Sunday with a win at Marseille.
PSG tied its first three matches, two scoreless draws, to get off to a poor start. But with its latest bunch of high-priced transfers settling in, the Paris club has been impressive over its last four Ligue 1 matches.
Although a Champions League defeat at FC Porto this week showed the club has work to do to challenge the top clubs in Europe, it can leave no doubt about who the top club in France is in Marseille.
"We are very disappointed but it's nothing dramatic. We will recover so that we are mentally ready to face Marseille. It was really something else to play in my first Champions League match, especially as captain of PSG," said PSG's Mamadou Sakho.
PSG coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted it would still take time for the club to completely to settle in, but he is confident all the club needs is time.
"We still need a bit of time. It is normal that we are not yet ready to come here and put in a quality performance," PSG coach Carlo Ancelotti said.
Marseille opened the season with six straight wins, but suffered its first loss last weekend to leave the door open for PSG this weekend.
Defending Ligue 1 champion Montpellier is off to a poor start with three losses in its first seven matches, but hosts Evian on Saturday, when it will try to build on a 2-2 draw at Schalke in the Champions League.
"It is a bonus to take a point here, now we need to build on it. We have to emphasize the spirit shown by the team," Montpellier's Garry Bocaly said. "Now we are going to sleep well and prepare for the next match."
Also Saturday, Bastia hosts Troyes, Lille hosts Ajaccio, Reims hosts Nice, Sochaux hosts Rennes, and Toulouse hosts Valenciennes. Also Sunday, Brest hosts Bordeaux, and Lorient hosts Lyon.
On Friday, Brandao scored twice as St. Etienne scored four goals inside just 25 minutes in a 4-0 win over Nancy.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.