
Fri Jan 23 19:00:00 UTC 2026: ## PSG Navigates League Fixture Amidst Champions League Aspirations
The Story:
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) faces AJ Auxerre in a Ligue 1 match, sandwiched between crucial Champions League fixtures. Fresh off a defeat against Sporting, PSG aims to secure qualification for the Champions League knockout stage by defeating Newcastle. While the Auxerre match, against a team struggling near the bottom of Ligue 1, might seem less critical, it presents an opportunity for PSG to potentially reclaim the top spot in the league, contingent on the outcome of the Marseille-Lens match. Coach Luis Enrique is expected to balance fielding a competitive lineup with resting key players ahead of the Champions League clash.
Key Points:
- PSG faces AJ Auxerre in Ligue 1.
- The match is between two Champions League games, including a pivotal fixture against Newcastle.
- Auxerre is near the bottom of Ligue 1, but all their wins this season have been at home.
- A win for PSG, combined with favorable results in the Marseille-Lens match, could put them back at the top of Ligue 1.
- Luis Enrique is likely to rotate the squad, resting key players like Pacho, Marquinhos, and Fabian Ruiz.
- Auxerre manager Christophe Pelissier, under pressure, is likely to opt for an attacking approach.
Key Takeaways:
- PSG’s primary focus is on the Champions League, but maintaining a strong position in Ligue 1 remains important.
- Squad rotation will be key for PSG to manage player fatigue and injuries.
- Auxerre’s home advantage presents a potential challenge for PSG.
- The Marseille-Lens match significantly impacts PSG’s league title aspirations.
- Managers face pressure to balance immediate results with long-term strategic goals.