Ligue 1 returns with a thrilling clash between RC Lens and Paris Saint-Germain at Stade Bollaert-Delelis for Matchday 18.
Lens, sitting seventh in the league, ended their winless run last weekend with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Le Havre. They now face a massive challenge against PSG, the unbeaten league leaders, who have completed the first half of the season with an impressive 13 wins and four draws.
While Lens have beaten PSG twice in their last 22 meetings, both wins came at this venue. Can they replicate history, or will PSG's attacking firepower prove too strong?
Lens: Resurgence on the Horizon
Will Still's team heads into this fixture after halting a three-match slump. Lens showed resilience in their comeback win over Le Havre, thanks to goals from Goduine Koyalipou and Deiver Machado. They now aim to secure a European spot, sitting just one point behind sixth-placed Lyon.
However, Lens will be without key players such as Kevin Danso (suspension) and Jhoanner Chavez (injury), among others. The absence of these players could hinder their defensive stability against PSG's formidable attack.
PSG: The Unstoppable Force
Luis Enrique's PSG are riding high with an unbeaten Ligue 1 campaign so far. Their dynamic duo, Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola, both with 10 league goals, have been instrumental in their dominance.
While PSG edged past Espaly in a nervy French Cup tie last week, they remain strong favorites against Lens. Despite injuries to key players like Marquinhos, PSG's depth ensures quality replacements such as Lucas Beraldo in defense.
Predicted Lineups
Lens Starting XI:
Koffi; Frankowski, Medina, Gradit, Machado; Thomasson, Diouf; Sotoca, Fulgini, Zaroury; Koyalipou
PSG Starting XI:
Donnarumma; Beraldo, Hakimi, Hernandez, Mendes; Ruiz, Mayulu, Lee; Dembele, Ramos, Barcola
Prediction: Lens 1-3 PSG
While Lens' home advantage and recent victory provide optimism, PSG's unbeaten run and offensive prowess, led by Dembele and Barcola, make them clear favorites. Expect a high-energy clash, but PSG should leave with all three points.
