PARIS (AP) — Marseille’s Adrien Rabiot could come back to haunt his Paris Saint-Germain detractors on Sunday when the clubs meet in the French league.
The midfielder won five league titles with PSG and made over 200 appearances. For supporters of both clubs, joining the other team is the ultimate soccer betrayal.
Going to Marseille was bad enough, but Rabiot’s popularity among PSG fans had long-since diminished. When he was still at the club, Rabiot was roundly jeered by PSG fans during a Champions League game against Liverpool amid frustrations over agonizingly long contract talks.
His mother and agent Veronique Rabiot said after that match in 2018 that there was “no way back” for him at PSG, where he came through the club’s youth academy and was once a firm favorite among fans.
He eventually left to join Juventus, helping the Italian giant win the Serie A title in 2020 and two Italian Cups. A robust defensive midfielder with good technique and excellent ball distribution, Rabiot became an integral part of France’s midfield along the way, scoring at the 2022 World Cup.
Given his high profile, his relatively young age of 29, and his vast experience, it was some coup when Marseille signed him in the offseason on a free transfer when he had the option of joining much bigger clubs.
During last Sunday’s 5-0 win at Montpellier, he linked up well with fellow midfielders Amine Harit and Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg. With four seasons in the Premier League with Tottenham and 85 caps for Denmark, the 29-year-old Höjbjerg is another strong signing by coach Roberto De Zerbi.
Sunday’s game could be the hardest domestic test of the season for PSG, which leads second-placed Monaco on goal difference — with both unbeaten.
But a victory for third-place Marseille would move it level on points with PSG, which has struggled to impress in the Champions League, losing to Arsenal and drawing at home to PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday.
With PSG’s midfield lacking in physicality, Marseille looks to have the edge there and in turn this could increase the pressure on PSG’s defense.
Marseille forward Mason Greenwood scored a fine goal and helped create another against Montpellier for Elye Wahi, who poses a threat with his pace.
PSG could start with Randal Kolo Muani in attack at Stade Velodrome after he shook off a minor ankle injury.
There will be no PSG fans allowed at the game for security reasons because of the risk of clashes between rival fans.
Lens must stop David
The only other unbeaten team in the league is Lens, which faces a stern test against northern rival Lille on Saturday.
They are level on points, with Lille in fourth place on goal difference.
The Lens defense could have a tough time facing Lille striker Jonathan David and winger Edon Zhegrova, who both scored in a 3-1 win away to Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
David scored twice against Atletico and the 24-year-old Canada striker has netted 10 goals in 15 games overall this season; and 94 in 198 since joining the club four years ago.
Monaco is at Nice in the French Riviera derby on Sunday. ___
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