Returning Erding sets PSG sights on Marseille

Paris Saint-Germain striker Mevlut Erding aims to make his return to action with a bang at fierce rivals Marseille on Sunday, having seen his team struggle during his injury-enforced absence.

The Turkey international, an 11 million-euro summer signing from Sochaux, began life at the Parc des Princes in impressive fashion, scoring twice in his first four games as the capital side climbed to second in the table.

But he was laid low after undergoing shoulder surgery at the beginning of September and PSG have since slipped to ninth, registering just one win in their last six matches.

Sunday’s trip to the 60,000 capacity Stade Velodrome is one of the marquee occasions in the French football calendar and Erding is already straining at the leash.

“While I was injured, lots of supporters told me that they were counting on me,” he said.

“I don’t want to let them down. It gives me added motivation to come back more strongly. And Marseille is the match which every PSG players dreams about playing in.”

PSG’s recent stutter means they are currently seven points behind league leaders Lyon after nine matches but Erding is adamant that his side should be aiming for the top.

“I came here to play in the Champions League,” he said.

“PSG is a club with a European stature. We, the players, have to be at a level to get the club back into Europe. Even though we know it will be very hard, we have to try to compete with the three big clubs in the division.”

The weekend’s Ligue 1 fixtures follow an impressive week for French sides in Europe, with the country’s ‘big three’ all prevailing in the Champions League.

Marseille warmed up for the visit of PSG with a 1-0 victory at FC Zurich, while Lyon produced one of the best performances in their recent history to upset five-time champions Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield.

Defending French champions Bordeaux, meanwhile, overcame German heavyweights Bayern Munich 2-1 – despite Yoann Gourcuff and Jussie both missing second-half penalties.

Lyon, who lead surprise package Montpellier on goal difference at the league summit, visit under-performing Nice on Saturday, with Bordeaux hosting Le Mans.

Bordeaux coach Laurent Blanc is set to shuffle his pack following their mid-week exertions, with David Bellion and Fernando Cavenaghi competing to partner Marouane Chamakh in attack.

“It won’t necessarily be the same team,” said Blanc, whose side trail Lyon and Montpellier by a point.

Fourth-placed Monaco, sandwiched between Bordeaux and Marseille in the table, visit Ligue 1 debutants Boulogne-sur-Mer, while Montpellier’s fine start to the campaign will come under scrutiny at eighth-placed Rennes.

Bottom club Grenoble, who are still without a single point from nine matches, take on Nancy and in-form Auxerre will look to make it four wins on the spin at home to Europa League participants Lille.

Fixtures

Saturday (1700GMT unless otherwise stated)

Bordeaux v Le Mans, Boulogne v Monaco, Grenoble v Nancy, Nice v Lyon, Sochaux v Lorient, Saint-Etienne v Valenciennes, Rennes v Montpellier (1900GMT)

Sunday (1500GMT unless otherwise stated)

Auxerre v Lille, Lens v Toulouse, Marseille v Paris Saint-Germain (1900GMT)