It’s a top-of-the-table showdown in Ligue 1 this Wednesday as Paris Saint-Germain travel to the iconic Stade Bollaert-Delelis to face RC Lens in matchday 29. With PSG sitting pretty at the summit on 73 points and Lens hot on their heels in second with 67, this clash promises plenty of drama—even if the title race is all but decided.
PSG may be cruising toward another league crown, but they’ll have to do it without a handful of key men. Seven players are sidelined, most notably South Korean star Kang-In Lee, who picked up a knock in the recent win over Brest. The good news? It’s not serious, and he’s expected back in a few days. Also missing are Achraf Hakimi, Lucas Chevalier, and Quentin Ndjantou, who are all continuing their recovery work. Meanwhile, Warren Zaire-Emery, Nuno Mendes, and Willian Pacho are still nursing injuries from that tense Champions League semifinal second leg against Bayern Munich, which ended 1-1.
But Lens have their own injury concerns. Dynamic forward Allan Saint-Maximin is a major doubt for Wednesday, and right-back Saud Abdulhamid remains suspended. However, there’s a boost for the Sang et Or: midfielders Mamadou Sangare and captain Adrien Thomasson are back in the mix and should be available to start.
Don’t let PSG’s near-certain title fool you—manager Luis Enrique won’t be taking any chances. Expect a well-drilled strategy to counter a Lens side that’s already locked in their Champions League spot for next season. Even without the pressure of survival, Lens will be eager to prove they belong among Europe’s elite.
Here’s how the teams could line up:
PSG predicted XI: Safonov; Mayulu, Zabarnyi, Beraldo, Hernandez; Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz; Doué, Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia.
RC Lens predicted XI: Risser; Ganiou, Baidoo, Sarr; Aguilar, Sangaré, Thomasson, Udol; Tha.
With both sides hungry to make a statement, this midweek matchup is one no fan of French football should miss. Gear up for the action—and don’t forget to rep your colors in style.
