Paris Saint Germain vs Angers SCO - Recent PSG form gives Matuidi reason for optimism

Midfielder Blaise Matuidi maintains Paris St Germain have what it takes to last the distance in the Ligue 1 title race as they prepare for the visit of Angers.

The champions look set for a severe test of their credentials this term, with Nice and Monaco also setting the pace at the top of the table.

Unai Emery's side go into Wednesday night's clash at the Parc des Princes chasing what would be a fifth straight Ligue 1 victory, while also having secured qualification for the knockout stages of the Champions League alongside Arsenal in Group A.

Matuidi sees no reason why the current squad should not be able to live up to the high standards set in recent trophy-laden campaigns under Laurent Blanc.

"It is good to put a run together, and recently, we have been in great form. Nice, Monaco are impressive, but we are too," Matuidi told www.ligue1.com.

"I heard it said that we are not as good, but we don't feel that at all. We are showing that we are still a great team."

Despite some positive results - which saw his side go on to win 2-1 away at Lyon following their return from London - Emery is not getting carried away, conscious of the challenges which lie ahead.

"Today we are third in Ligue 1, after that, I think only of the next game," Emery said at a press conference, reported on the club's official website, www.psg.fr.

"There are a lot of upcoming matches, Angers and Montpellier, Ludogorets, so I think to prepare just for the next one.

"I think that the progress of the team, the players and their confidence, is good, but every game is a test.

"We want to improve our ranking, it is important to win on Wednesday.

"It is too early to make an assessment (on the season) because we still have important games this week."

Emery confirmed he did not expect defender Layvin Kurzawa to be available to play against Angers along with Javier Pastore, although forward Angel Di Maria should be back in training.

While PSG may be in good form, Angers arrive in Paris on the back of three defeats from the past five matches, which also saw them dumped out of the Coupe de la Ligue at Nantes.

Angers have not won at the Parc des Princes since 1972.

Nevertheless, coach Stephane Moulin believes his side must look to take positives from their recent disappointments, which continued with a 2-1 home defeat to St Etienne on Sunday despite having taken a first-half lead.

"We are still learning and we displayed that against a team who are in Europe," Moulin said reflecting on the loss.

"We need not be ashamed of our defeat, but it is still a defeat."