In Saturday evening’s top-of-the-table Ligue 1 clash, Paris Saint-Germain welcomes Lens to the Parc des Princes.
Team Form
PSG
Recently, there has been controversy surrounding former Nice coach and current Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) boss Christophe Galtier.
A leaked email has allegedly revealed Galtier complaining about the number of black and Muslim players during his time at Nice. However, Galtier has strongly denied the accusations.
This off-field issue has become a significant distraction for PSG, potentially disrupting their progress.
PSG secured a 2-0 victory over Nice last Saturday, with goals from Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos. This win has allowed PSG to maintain their comfortable six-point lead over Lens with only eight games remaining.
Despite the positive result, PSG’s focus may be divided due to this controversy. However, the team must stay focused and united to maintain their lead and secure the league title.
PSG Ligue 1 Form: W W L L W
Lens
Following a disappointing February period, Lens has found its stride and has won four consecutive matches against Clermont, Angers, Rennes, and Strasbourg. This impressive streak has helped them maintain their lead in the runners-up spot, two points clear of Marseille.
With only a few matches remaining, Lens looks set to secure European football for the first time since their return to the top-flight league in 2020.
Their solid defence has only conceded one goal in their last four Ligue 1 games, and their away record has been impressive, with only two losses in their 15 Ligue 1 away matches this season.
However, Lens has drawn eight away games, indicating a potential weakness in converting draws into wins.
Lens Ligue 1 Form: D W W W W
Squad Report
PSG
PSG has been dealt a blow with the news that Nordi Mukiele will miss the remainder of the season due to a hamstring injury requiring surgery.
This setback comes from the earlier season-ending injuries to Neymar (ankle) and Presnel Kimpembe (Achilles).
Adding to the injury list is Renato Sanches, who sustained an adductor issue in the win over Nice and has been ruled out for three to four weeks.
Lens
The Lens faces injury concerns, with several players currently sidelined. Jimmy Cabot and Wuilker Farinez are still on the road to recovery from long-term knee injuries.
Additionally, Julien Le Cardinal (knee), Steven Fortes (knee), and Adam Buksa (ankle) are also nursing injuries and are currently unavailable for selection.
Paris Saint-Germain’s expected starting lineup:
Donnarumma; Pereira, Marquinhos, Ramos; Hakimi, Verratti, Soler, Vitinha, Mendes; Messi, Mbappe
Lens expected starting lineup:
Samba; Medina, Danso, Gradit; Sotoca, Abdul Samed, Fofana, Frankowski; Thomasson, Fulgini; Openda
Head to Head
In the past, PSG has held a slight advantage over Lens in their head-to-head record, winning 11 out of the 29 matches played between the two teams. Lens has managed to secure nine victories during this period.
Time, Date & Venue
Date: Saturday, April 15
Time: 07:00 pm, UTC
Venue: Parc de Princes, Paris
Prediction
PSG is not known for drawing matches, and their injury-plagued squad may come under significant pressure from Lens on Saturday night. However, with the talent available to Galtier’s team, they can hold off PSG and secure a draw.
