Bolt targets 9.7 seconds ahead of clash with Powell in Paris

USAIN Bolt will cross swords with compatriot Asafa Powell for the first time this season in Paris on Friday - and the 100m world record holder believes he knows exactly what it will take to keep his unbeaten run going.

HEAD TO HEAD: Asafa Powell and Usain Bolt will clash for the first time this season at the Paris Diamond League event on Friday (Getty Images)

Bolt, 23, has only competed over 100m twice this year and clocked a season's best of 9.82 seconds in Lausanne last week on his return from an Achilles tendon injury.

Powell, the former world record holder and the last man to defeat Bolt - two years ago in Stockholm - has also chalked up a season's best of 9.82, and will pose the biggest threat to the world and Olympic champion so far this campaign.

And while Powell was edged out by American rival Tyson Gay at the Aviva British Grand Prix in Gateshead last weekend, Bolt believes he will have to crank the pace up a notch in Paris.

"My goal will be not to lose this race. I plan to go 9.7secs. It should be a good race. Asafa is ready," said Bolt, whose world record stands at 9.58.

"Asafa has proven to be highly consistent this season, with a fair number of times close to the 9.8secs mark. He is waiting for me.

"I no longer feel the slightest discomfort as far as my Achilles tendon is concerned.

"I am, however, remaining careful and being really attentive during training sessions. According to my doctor, I should be running at 100 per cent again in two or three weeks."

Meanwhile, Powell is only too aware Bolt can walk the walk as well as talking the talk.

"The 100m race will be special, with Usain and myself on the track," said Powell.

"We've done the same time this season but this race will be the decider. I don't know now if my chances have improved to beat Usain but it's true that I've very consistent this year.

"My preparation has been solid and I've been injury free, that's the reason. Usain said that he would be able to run 9.70 on Friday night and, yes, that's realistic.

"The track is fast, I haven't always been in the stadium, but it's a place where we can run fast."