Thiago Silva will lead Paris Saint-Germain out at the Stade Velodrome looking to give Laurent Blanc’s capital club breathing space at the top of the Ligue 1 table.
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The Brazilian defender will likely be without both of his compatriots in the heart of the defence, with both Marquinhos and David Luiz doubtful for the matchup with Olympique de Marseille.
Even without his fellow Selecao stoppers, Silva is Ligue 1’s outstanding defender.
He wins an average of four aerial battles-per-match, putting him as the sixth-most effective player in the air in the division, according to WhoScored.
Similarly, he is particularly influential with the ball at his feet, and has the fifth-best pass success rate of any player in Ligue 1.
Normally, his opposite number, Nicolas N’Koulou, could rival some of those figures, but the Cameroon stopper will be missing as he continues his recovery from his operation.
In his absence, Rod Fanni will likely continue to deputise.
Out of contract in the summer, this may be the last truly high-profile, elite fixture that the former France international plays—he will not be keen to sign-off with a defeat.
Winner: Thiago Silva