Christophe Pelissier’s men have their work cut out as they host the reigning champions, who are currently unbeaten in the league.
Auxerre enjoyed a strong spell, going five matches unbeaten, which included four victories. This impressive run propelled them into the top half of the Ligue 1 table.
However, a recent setback against fellow mid-table rivals Toulouse means Auxerre will be eager to bounce back to winning ways.
“We had a good run of five games with no defeat and then we endured our first loss last weekend which was a bit bad for us,” Mensah said in an interview with Flashscore facilitated by Ligue 1.
“But at the end of the day, we know it's a long season so there's going be ups and downs. Losses like this also come to tell us that even though we are on a long run, we need to also be focused and be aware anything can just happen in the season,” he added.
Though PSG are yet to taste defeat in 13 league games, their recent form of losing to Bayern Munich and following that with a draw at home to Nantes suggests an air of vulnerability.
Mensah reveals big games give him the most motivation and acknowledges the challenge ahead.
“I'm very confident against PSG. I think most of the motivation I get from playing is from facing big teams. So I know it's going to be a good game for myself and then also for the team.
"These games push us to do more. PSG haven’t lost in the league this season and it gives us the mentality of that we have nothing to lose and stand the chance to gain everything.”
Auxerre’s biggest strength throughout their Ligue 2 triumph through to the start of this season has been their impeccable home form. L'AJA have the second-best home record in Ligue 1 this season picking up 15 points from six home games – only PSG with 19 points have more.
They’ve dominated big guns such as Rennes and Brest at the Stade Abbe-Deschamps and Mensah attributes their home success to the fans.
“I think from two seasons ago when we got promoted to Ligue 1 that's always been our strength. Playing at home with the fans and the ambiance behind us always pushes us to do more.
“We barely have fear for any team that we play against at home because even if the legs are not pushing, the fans are going to push us. So playing PSG at home is going to be a good test.”
Auxerre fans will have recent memories of facing PSG. A first-half brace from Kylian Mbappe two seasons ago confined Auxerre to a narrow 2-1 defeat. Mensah expects the gap to be much closer this time.
“Two seasons ago the 5-0 defeat was when we played them in Paris, which was difficult because, we were playing away from home and they were the better side in that game. At home it was a very close 2-1 win for them. So it shows us that we have what it takes to win at home this time”
On a personal level, Mensah has faced PSG on four occasions in Ligue 1 and is still yet to avoid defeat. The Ghanaian is hopeful he can put an end to the streak.
“I’ve played against PSG four times now. The first two games was when I was at Bordeaux. We lost at home against them and we lost away against them. Obviously, with Auxerre too.”
“I want to put a stop to every negative streak in my career. I liked the feeling of playing five games with no defeat. The feeling is always better if you win a game against the bigger clubs and have a good game for yourself. Losing again to PSG is not something I am looking forward to.”
If Auxerre are going to threaten PSG’s defence, an in-form Hamed Traore will most likely be involved. The forward, currently on loan from Bournemouth, has scored six goals in Ligue 1 so far.
Five of those goals have come in matches where Auxerre have earned points this season highlighting the importance of the Ivorian.
“It’s very evident that Hamed Traore has been one of the best players for us this season," Mensah revealed. “He’s scored some important goals that gives us points at the end of the day. He's been a very good player for us this season and I'm hoping that he goes on like that. Sometimes you need players to step up and make a difference and so far he’s shown he can do that.”
With 19 points from 13 Ligue 1 games so far, there is the temptation for Auxerre to start aiming for higher levels. However, Mensah remains grounded and focused on keeping their Ligue 1 status next season.
“The goal is still the same. We need to stay in the league, and then it doesn't matter how we do it. We just have to stay in the league. If we end up in the third position, fourth, or fifth, we still stay in the league. So the goal doesn't change for us.”
PSG will be Auxerre’s biggest test so far this season. The match will be an indicator of how far L’AJA have come but also for Pelissier, who has won just once in his 12 games against PSG.
