Paris FC vs Lille – News and Probable Lineups

For the first time in over 40 years, Lille will face Paris FC in a Ligue 1 away match, set for Sunday at Stade Jean-Bouin in the French capital.

Paris currently sits in 10th place, having secured a 3-1 victory against Metz last weekend, while Lille fell to fourth after a goalless draw at home against Nice.

Match overview

A team that was in relegation contention back in February is now guaranteed a place in the top tier for next season, thanks to a remarkable series of performances.

Since taking over, Antoine Kombouare remains unbeaten, with his squad dropping just one point in Ligue 1 this month (1-1 draw at Lorient).

Another victory on Sunday would mark their third consecutive win in the league, establishing a new longest winning streak of the season.

If they manage to win all of their remaining four matches, they will reach the 50-point milestone—an incredible feat for a club in its first top-flight season in 46 years.

Under Kombouare’s guidance, this team has found their scoring form again, netting three or more goals in three of their last four domestic matches.

They have clinched victory in their last three home fixtures in this competition, while remaining pointless in just one of the last six matches played at Stade Jean-Bouin.

As the season reaches its concluding phase, Lille finds themselves in a competitive race for a European position next year.

With four matches remaining, they are currently just below Lyon for an automatic Champions League spot on goal difference, while four points separate them from Mônaco, who are just outside the European spots after 30 matches.

Bruno Genesio’s side has won their last four league encounters on the road, and on Sunday, they could achieve five consecutive Ligue 1 victories as away team for the first time since April to May 2021.

If they can secure at least seven points from their final four matches in the top league, the northern French club will exceed their point total from the 2024-25 season (60).

Lille has tightened their defense recently, having not conceded any goals in their last three league matches, allowing one or fewer goals in 10 consecutive domestic fixtures.

Les Dogues have never been defeated in a competitive match against Paris FC but have only managed to win once in the French capital, back in the 1975 Coupe de França (1-0).

Team News

At Paris FC, there are numerous injury worries with Pierre-Yves Hamel (calf), Tuomas Ollila (calf), Sofiane Alakouch (knee), Jean-Philippe Krasso (knee), Remy Riou (knock), and Lamine Gueye all uncertain for this weekend’s match.

Moses Simon (hamstring) and Julien Lopez (back) are also likely to be doubtful, while Pierre Lees-Melou is set to return following his suspension.

Alimami Gory, Otavio, and Ilan Kebbal all scored in their win against Metz last week, marking their third consecutive victory.

On the other hand, Nabil Bentaleb is a game-time decision for Lille due to an infection, while Hamza Igamane and Ousmane Toure are sidelined due to cruciate ligament injuries.

An elbow problem is expected to keep Marc-Aurele Caillard off the field, while Nathan Ngoy will be available to return from his warning suspension.

Berke Ozer managed just one save in their goalless draw with Nice, placing him in a tie with Lyon’s Dominik Greif for the most clean sheets in Ligue 1 this season (11).

Paris FC probable starting XI:

Nkambadio; Traore, Coppola, Otavio, De Smet; Munetsi, Chergui; Lees-Melou, Kebbal, Gory; Immobile

Lille probable starting XI:

Author; Meunier, Ngoy, Mandi, Perraud; Bouaddi, Andre; Mukau, Haraldsson, Correia; Fernandez-Pardo

Both teams feature an array of effective, creative attacking talents, and with both in good form, a lively encounter is expected without a clear winner.