Paris Saint-Germain and Lens are set to clash in an exciting Ligue 1 match as PSG continues their quest for the league title. Lens, on the other hand, are aiming to avoid a third consecutive loss in all competitions.
Match Preview:
Lens and PSG will face each other for the second time in two seasons, starting their calendar years with a thrilling showdown.
In their New Year’s Day battle in 2023, Lens emerged victorious with a 3-1 win over the formidable PSG. However, Lens is currently struggling to retain their European status and sits seventh in the table, five points outside the top four.
Lens has had a mixed run of form in Ligue 1, with three wins, one draw, and two losses in their last six matches. In all competitions, they have won three, drawn one, and lost two.
Lens will be hoping to capitalize on their four-game home winning streak in the French top flight.
On the other hand, PSG has been in excellent form, winning five and drawing one in their last six Ligue 1 matches. In all competitions, they have won four and drawn two.
PSG is currently enjoying a 10-match unbeaten run and has not lost an away game in Ligue 1 in 15 matches.
Team News:
Lens will be without three players, Salis Abdul Samed, Morgan Guilavogui, and Nampalys Mendy, who have been called up for African Cup of Nations duty.
Additionally, teenage defender Abdukodir Khusanov is competing in the Asian Cup. Lens will also miss the services of Jimmy Cabot and Wuilker Farinez, who are recovering from ACL injuries.
The team’s defensive ranks are further depleted by the absences of Massadio Haidara and Deiver Machado.
PSG, on the other hand, will be missing Achraf Hakimi and Lee Kang-in, who are away with their national teams.
Milan Skriniar is also sidelined due to an ankle injury and may miss the rest of the season.
However, January signing Lucas Beraldo is ready for his Ligue 1 debut. Several other players, including Presnel Kimpembe, Nuno Mendes, and Sergio Rico, will be absent due to injuries.
Possible Lineups:
Lens: (3-4-2-1)
Samba;
Medina, Danso, Gradit;
Frankowski, Diouf, Fulgini, Maouassa;
Sotoca, Thomasson;
Wahi
Paris Saint-Germain: (4-3-3)
Donnarumma;
Mukiele, Marquinhos, Pereira, Hernandez;
Zaire-Emery, Ugarte, Vitinha;
Barcola, Kolo Muani, Mbappe
Prediction: Lens 1-3 Paris Saint-Germain
While Lens had a memorable win over PSG in the past, the reigning champions are determined to maintain their unbeaten away record and secure all three points.
With PSG’s formidable wide men, Lens’ full-backs could face a tough challenge at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis.