Surprise Ligue 1 leaders Lyon have a chance to further improve their title chances by defeating holders Paris Saint-Germain at their Stade Gerland.

Meanwhile, the Saints know they will climb to the top of the standings for the first time this season if they win this match and that should be enough incentive for Laurent Blanc’s side.

Club’s decision to cut back spending and turn towards their own youth academy is producing excellent results and this is definitely the way to go for Lyon.

Les Gones have not only nurtured some of Europe’s most talented footballers, but the team surprisingly mounted a serious title challenge as well.

Led by the amazing Alexandre Lacazette, Lyon took advantage of Marseille’s dip in form to climb to the Ligue 1 summit and it will now take some effort from their rivals to dislodge them from the top.

Team’s advantage at the top melted to two points as they were held to a goalless draw by Monaco, but they are 3.60 (13/5) to return to winning ways against PSG.

Coach Herbert Fournier faces all sorts of problems ahead of the derby game against the Saints, with three key players unavailable through injury.

The likes of Alexandre Lacazette, Clement Grenier, Milan Bisevac and Gueida Fofana remain in the infirmary, whilst Mouhamadou Dabo is banned.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2 diamond): Lopes – Jallet, Rose, Umtiti, Bedimo – Gonalons, Ferri, Tolisso, Gourcuff – Fekir, Benzia.

Even if they were expected to defend the league title without too many problems, the reality is Paris Saint-Germain have spent the entire campaign so far trailing either Marseille or Lyon, or both.

Having raised their game of late, the Saints remain the number one candidates for the league trophy, but they will have to work hard to justify the early season predictions.

PSG have won six straight games since the shock defeat to Bastia, and they have now recorded three 1-0 wins in a row, having successfully negotiated league games against St Etienne and Rennes as well as Coupe de la Ligue match with Lille.

And taking into account Lyon’s serious injury problems, there may be value in odds of 2.25 (5/4) offered at Stan James on away win.

Argentine midfielder Javier Pastore remains doubtful with a calf problem and he is not expected to start on Sunday.

Meanwhile, full-back Gregory van der Wiel has recovered from injury, but Marquinhos looks set to continue on the right flank.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Sirigu – Marquinhos, Luiz, Silva, Maxwell – Motta, Verratti, Matuidi – Lucas, Ibrahimovic, Cavani.