RC Lens, currently seventh in the Ligue 1 standings, comes into this high-stakes encounter against PSG after ending a three-game winless streak with a gritty 2-1 triumph over Le Havre.
The Blood and Gold demonstrated resilience in that match, bouncing back from an early goal by Andre Ayew. A quick response from Goduine Koyalipou and a decisive strike from Deiver Machado helped secure all three points. However, inconsistency has marred their campaign.
While Lens remain within touching distance of European qualification, trailing sixth-placed Lyon by just one point, they have struggled in marquee fixtures, including a recent French Cup loss to PSG in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw.
That defeat emphasised their uphill task in overcoming Ligue 1’s runaway leaders, especially as Lens have managed just two wins in their last 22 clashes with PSG. Encouragingly, both victories came at Stade Bollaert-Delelis, with memorable wins in September 2020 (1-0) and January 2023 (3-1).
PSG, unbeaten and commanding at the Ligue 1 summit, march into this fixture with supreme confidence. However, they had to dig deep in their last two outings. A nervy 4-2 win against fifth-tier Espaly in the French Cup highlighted their defensive frailties but also showcased their attacking depth. Goals from Warren Zaire-Emery, Desire Doue, Bradley Barcola, and Goncalo Ramos underlined their ability to turn games around.
In Ligue 1, PSG extended their dominance with a 2-1 victory over Saint-Etienne in their last league outing, bringing their tally to 43 points from 17 matches. Luis Enrique’s side has completed the first half of the season unbeaten — a feat achieved only four times in the club’s history. Their away form has been stellar, with five wins from eight trips.
While Lens’s home ground has proved tricky in the past, PSG’s form and firepower should see them enter this clash as heavy favourites. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
PSG will be without Ibrahim Mbaye, who is nursing a sprained ankle, while captain Marquinhos is sidelined with a groin injury and is set to miss several weeks. In defence, Lucas Beraldo, who started the last league game, is likely to retain his spot in the starting XI this weekend.
Meanwhile, Ousmane Dembele, PSG’s joint-top scorer in Ligue 1 with 10 goals, is expected to return to the starting lineup after sitting out their most recent match. Bradley Barcola, who is also on 10 goals and impressed in the win over Espaly, could retain his place in the attacking setup.
PSG are expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation. Gianluigi Donnarumma will likely start in goal, with Lucas Beraldo and Achraf Hakimi positioned at centre-back and right-back, respectively. Lucas Hernandez is expected to slot in as the left centre-back, with Nuno Mendes completing the back four.
In midfield, Fabian Ruiz, Senny Mayulu, and Lee Kang-in will aim to dictate play and provide defensive cover. The attacking trio will consist of Ousmane Dembele on the right wing, Goncalo Ramos as the central striker, and Bradley Barcola on the left wing.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Hakimi, Beraldo, Hernandez, Mendes; Ruiz, Mayulu, Lee; Dembele, Ramos; Barcola.
