RC Lens will hope to continue their winning habit when they welcome Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday evening.
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.
Team News & Tactics
RC Lens
RC Lens will enter the fixture with a number of absentees, which could complicate their plans against Paris Saint-Germain. Jhoanner Chavez (ankle), Neil El Aynaoui (thigh), Wesley Said (thigh), and Ruben Aguilar (shoulder) are unavailable, though all four are expected to return later this month.
Remy Labeau Lascary is a long-term absentee after being ruled out for the season with an ACL injury. Additionally, Kevin Danso will miss this match due to suspension, having accumulated too many yellow cards.
In terms of the starting lineup, RC Lens are expected to field a 4-2-3-1 formation. Herve Koffi will likely start in goal, protected by a back four comprising Przemyslaw Frankowski at right-back, Facundo Medina and Jonathan Gradit as centre-backs, and Deiver Machado at left-back.
Adrien Thomasson and Andy Diouf will anchor the midfield as a double pivot, aiming to balance defensive duties with transitional play. In the attacking third, Florian Sotoca and Anass Zaroury are expected to operate on the flanks, Angelo Fulgini will slot into the playmaker role, and Goduine Koyalipou will lead the line as the centre-forward.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Koffi; Frankowski, Medina, Gradit, Machado; Thomasson, Diouf; Sotoca, Fulgini, Zaroury; Koyalipou
Paris Saint-Germain
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
Key Stats
- Lens have managed only two wins in their last 22 games against PSG in all competitions, with their victories coming in September 2020 (1-0) and January 2023 (3-1) at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis in Ligue 1.
- In the first half of the Ligue 1 2024/25 season, Lens are winless in their eight matches against teams in the top half of the table (D4 L4), while PSG have been dominant, securing 22 points out of a possible 24 in similar fixtures.
- Lens have collected 27 points from 17 games this season, equaling their tally at the same stage in 2020/21 and 2021/22. However, this surpasses their performance from the previous season (2023/24) by one point. Their best points total at this stage was 40 in the 2022/23 season when they finished as runners-up behind PSG.
- PSG are unbeaten in the first half of the Ligue 1 season (W13 D4), achieving this feat for the fourth time in their history. This makes them the most successful team in terms of unbeaten starts in the competition, surpassing teams like Saint-Etienne (1957/58), Nantes (1994/95), and Lyon (2004/05).
- Lens have won just two of their last eight home matches in all competitions (D3 L3). They have also failed to score in four of those games, matching their total from the previous 48 home games combined.
Player to Watch
Ousmane Dembele
Dembele has been one of the standout performers in Ligue 1 this season, proving his worth as a vital component of Luis Enrique’s attacking setup. Joint-top scorer for PSG with 10 goals, the French winger has consistently delivered decisive contributions in key moments, showcasing his ability to both score and create opportunities for his teammates.
His exceptional pace, technical skills, and unpredictability on the ball make him a nightmare for defenders, particularly in one-on-one situations. His ability to cut inside from the right flank and unleash powerful shots or deliver precise crosses has been instrumental in PSG’s attacking dominance this season.
Having missed the previous match, the Frenchman will be eager to return to the starting XI and make an immediate impact against Lens. With his explosive style and flair, he is expected to exploit the gaps in Lens’ defence, especially with Kevin Danso unavailable for the hosts.
If Dembele finds his rhythm, PSG’s chances of extending their unbeaten league run will increase significantly, making him the player to watch in this high-stakes encounter.
Prediction
RC Lens 1-2 Paris Saint-Germain
Lens’s record against PSG at Stade Bollaert-Delelis offers a glimmer of hope for the hosts, especially given PSG’ss occasional defensive vulnerabilities. However, the visitors’ unbeaten league campaign and attacking depth make them favourites. Expect a tightly contested encounter, with PSG edging it by a narrow margin.
