Paris FC vs Lens – News and Probable Lineups

In an effort to stay competitive at the top of the Ligue 1 standings and possibly reclaim the top position, Lens is set to visit Stade Jean-Bouin on Saturday for a contest against Paris FC.

As they approach matchday 22, Paris currently sits in 15th place after last week’s 0-0 stalemate with Auxerre, while Les Sang et Or occupies second place, having secured a 3-1 victory over Rennes.

Match overview

A team that previously demonstrated their ability to score early in the campaign has recently faced difficulties in that area.

Stephane Gilli’s squad has not scored in their last two matches across all competitions and has found the net in only one of their last four competitive encounters.

Conversely, they have gained points in four straight league matches, marking their longest streak of the season, and have registered two clean sheets in their last three domestic fixtures.

A clean sheet on Saturday would signify their first instance of three consecutive league matches without conceding since November-December 2024 in Ligue 2 (three games).

This solid performance has positioned them well to remain in the top tier beyond this season, as they currently boast a nine-point cushion over the relegation playoff position.

Furthermore, they have been particularly solid at home in February, not suffering a single home defeat in either Ligue 1 or 2 this month since 2018 (1-0 loss to Brest).

Week after week, Pierre Sage’s side continues to press on, closely following Paris Saint-Germain as they have for several matchdays.

Three of their four defeats in the league this season have come while playing away, and this weekend they will look to avoid consecutive away defeats for the first time in the competition.

All three of their league losses on the road in 2025-26 have occurred after they conceded the opening goal, while they have won nine consecutive top-flight matches dating back to last season after they have opened the scoring.

By the time they take the field on matchday 22, they will be aware if they can surpass PSG for first place or if a victory is necessary to narrow the gap, with Lens currently trailing by two points heading into this weekend.

A win would grant them their seventh away match in the competition this season, a total just one shy of their entire tally from the previous campaign.

Lens has triumphed in their last three league encounters with Paris FC, including their most recent away match against them in Ligue 2 back in 2020 (2-0).

Team News

Pierre-Yves Hamel is expected to miss another fixture for Paris FC due to a calf strain, while Sofiane Alakouch and Hamari Traore are dealing with knee issues. Additionally, Remy Riou and Lamine Gueye are not likely to feature because of knocks.

Pierre Lees-Melou remains uncertain due to a shin injury, along with Thibault De Smet, who has a knee problem, and Samir Chergui, who is contending with a hamstring concern.

For Lens, Regis Gurtner is still troubled by a hamstring problem, Jonathan Gradit is doubtful with a lower leg fracture, Jhoanner Chavez is facing a thigh strain, and Andrija Bulatovic is likely to be absent as he recovers from an injury.

Ruben Aguilar will be banned for this match, having received a second yellow card against Rennes soon after scoring the crucial winner, with the other goals coming from Odsonne Edouard and Allan Saint-Maximin, marking the first for the latter in a Lens jersey.

Paris FC probable starting XI:

Traps; Gory, Mbow, Kolodejczak, Otavio, Sangui; Kebbal, M. Lopez, Camara, Simon; Krasso

Lens probable starting XI:

Risser; Baidoo, Ganiou, Sarr; Abdulhamid, Sangare, Thomasson, Udol; Thauvin, Said; Edward

Lens consistently manages to find an answer even in unforeseen circumstances, and we have faith that Sage’s tactical prowess will allow for the necessary adjustments to ensure victory in this match.