Well well well...look who is challenging in France

My my my how much can change in one year. Last year I was convinced that PSG was destined to be relegated, I actually thought it might be a good thing for the Parisian club. The kick in the butt they needed to start overhauling the club. Of course, once again I was proven wrong. PSG is now only 4 points off the top of the table and have just taken out a solid option for the next round of the UEFA Cup defeating Wolfsburg 2-0 at the Parc des Prince. So can we expect PSG to really be the challenger for the Ligue 1 title, knock Lyon off their pedestal?

Looking ahead, PSG's season will really hinge on a stretch between March 15 and May 2, during that span they will face Marseilles, Lyon, Toulouse, Nice, Rennes and LOSC - the top 10 teams of the league. This span will challenge Le Guen and his ability to manage his players. With older players - Guily and Makelele - how will Le Guen ensure that he keeps his team competitive and not burn out his veterans. Also, will Rothen come back to form? His crosses against Wolfsburg appear promising, resulting in the first Hourau goal. But I question his ability to maintain this level of play. What is promising is the infusion of some of the youth - Sakho (who has been a mainstay for over a year) and Makonda - being two teenagers that Le Guen has leveraged. The other main issue will be if Sessegnon, Chantome, Clement, Makelele and the rest can keep up the high level of midfield play. The midfield play has been key to the success for PSG, and has allowed Hourau and Guily to succeed up front.

The next few months will be a huge test for PSG, I am not sure if they have the roster to really challenge Lyon, but I am glad to see Paris contending again rather than being in a relegation battle.