Ligue 1 Matchday 13 Preview: PSG Aim To Tighten Grip On Top Spot As Lille Look To Reset

‎As the Ligue 1 campaign resumes following the November international break, Matchday 13 brings a host of compelling fixtures that could shape the trajectory of the season for teams at both ends of the table.

‎From Paris Saint-Germain’s title defence to Auxerre’s sinking survival battle, the weekend promises drama, tactical intrigue, and decisive momentum swings.

‎Below is a full breakdown of the key matches:

‎PSG vs Le Havre: Champions Look to Extend Home Dominance

‎The final Ligue 1 fixture on Saturday sees reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain welcome Le Havre to the Parc des Princes. PSG enter the clash top of the table after a dramatic 3–2 win over Lyon before the break, while Le Havre sit mid-table following a 1–1 draw with Nantes.

‎PSG’s Home Fortress

‎Luis Enrique’s side remains unbeaten at home this season, securing four clean sheets in five league matches in Paris. PSG have dropped points just once at home during a thrilling 3–3 draw against Strasbourg and boast a seven-match unbeaten run domestically.

‎However, recent games have not been straightforward. PSG needed stoppage-time winners in back-to-back league fixtures and even suffered a surprising 2–1 home defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League, raising questions about consistency.

‎Le Havre’s Defensive Identity

‎Didier Digard’s team entered the match in good form, unbeaten in four Ligue 1 outings and conceding no more than one goal in each. With three clean sheets in their last four, Le Havre have rediscovered the defensive rigidity that defined their promotion campaign.

‎They have also collected points in consecutive away fixtures and shown resilience by clawing back draws after conceding first on two occasions.

‎Historical Context

‎This is a daunting trip for Le Havre: they have not beaten PSG in Paris since 1998, and PSG have taken points from all of their last six home meetings, winning five.

‎Team News

‎PSG are without Désiré Doué (hamstring) and Achraf Hakimi (ankle), while Ousmane Dembélé and Nuno Mendes remain doubtful. Joao Neves, Warren Zaïre-Emery, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia all scored in the victory over Lyon.

‎Le Havre may miss Andy Logbo (shoulder) and Mbwana Samatta (thigh). Gautier Lloris, brother of Hugo Lloris, scored their late equaliser on matchday 12.

‎Prediction: PSG 3–1 Le Havre

‎The champions are formidable at home and possess superior attacking quality. Le Havre’s organisation may keep them within reach, but PSG’s firepower should be enough to secure three points.

‎Rennes vs Monaco

‎Separated by just two points, Rennes and Monaco collide in Brittany in what could be one of the weekend’s most consequential fixtures.

‎Rennes are eighth after a gritty 1-0 win at Paris FC, while Monaco were dismantled 4–1 by Lens before the break.

‎Rennes Resurgent Under Habib Beye

‎Habib Beye has gone from the brink of dismissal to revitalising Rennes, guiding them to two straight league wins and a three-match unbeaten run. A victory on Saturday would give them their longest winning streak in Ligue 1 since early 2024.

‎Rennes remain strong at home, having dropped points in only one home league match this season, and they have been flawless when scoring first.

‎Monaco’s Need for Stability

‎Monaco’s season has oscillated between highs and lows. They are winless domestically this month and look vulnerable defensively.

‎However, their away form offers hope: they are unbeaten in their last three away matches across competitions.

‎They have also dominated this fixture recently, winning four straight matches against Rennes each by a one-goal margin.

‎Team News

‎Rennes fielded a slightly altered XI last time, with Anthony Rouault and Quentin Merlin returning. Brice Samba produced five saves in a standout performance.

‎Monaco may be without Krepin Diatta, Vanderson, and Christian Mawissa. Mohammed Salisu remains doubtful. Paul Pogba is nearing a long-awaited return, while Folarin Balogun is suspended.

‎Prediction: Rennes 1–2 Monaco

‎With several key players returning and a full week to recuperate, Monaco may finally deliver a composed performance. Rennes are strong, but Monaco’s away strength and attacking talent give them a slight edge.

‎Lille vs Paris FC

‎Sunday’s action continues at Stade Pierre-Mauroy, where Lille hosts newly promoted Paris FC. Lille slipped to fifth after losing 2–0 to Strasbourg, while Paris FC remains 11th after a narrow defeat to Rennes.

‎Lille’s Roller-Coaster Form

‎Bruno Genesio’s side has endured a turbulent run, losing three of their last four in all competitions and failing to score in each defeat.

‎However, their home form remains solid they’ve scored seven goals in their last two home league matches.

‎Lille’s season has been inconsistent: explosive in some matches, toothless in others. A win on Sunday would equal their best home streak since spring 2024.

‎Paris FC Exceeding Expectations

‎Paris FC continue to fight admirably in their first season since promotion. They have collected points in three of their last four away fixtures and could match last season’s longest winning run on the road with another victory.

‎Their success comes from starting games solidly they have a perfect record in matches where they keep a first-half clean sheet.

‎Historically, Paris FC have never beaten Lille, but they have managed three draws in their last four meetings.

‎Team News

‎Lille may welcome back Alexsandro, while Ethan Mbappé is doubtful. Calvin Verdonk and Benjamin André are suspended.

‎Paris FC are missing Otavio (suspension) and may be without Nhoa Sangui or Jonathan Ikoné due to injuries.

‎Prediction: Lille 3–0 Paris FC

‎Paris FC’s defence can be erratic, and Lille thrives on exploiting errors. The hosts should secure a comfortable win and regain momentum.

‎Auxerre vs Lyon

‎Auxerre’s downward spiral continues as they host Lyon, who are seeking to recover from a last-gasp defeat at PSG. The situation is dire for Auxerre winless in seven league matches and bottom of the table.

‎Auxerre’s Alarming Slide

‎After finishing comfortably clear of relegation last season, Auxerre now possesses the league’s weakest attack with only seven goals scored. Their seven-match winless run includes six losses, and they sit three points from safety.

‎Their best hope lies at home, where they last won on September 21.

‎Lyon’s Mixed Form

‎Lyon has struggled recently too, failing to win in four straight matches in Ligue 1 and Europe. Despite this, their overall standing is healthier they sit seventh, within touching distance of the Champions League places.

‎Lyon have not won away since September, but they were a moment away from drawing with PSG before Joao Neves struck in added time.

‎Key Player: Pavel Šulc

‎Lyon’s new attacking talisman, Pavel Šulc, has been lethal since arriving from the Czech league, recording five goals and one assist.

‎Team News

‎Auxerre are without Telli Siwe and Oussama El Azzouzi. Lyon’s injury list includes Malick Fofana and Šulc, while Ernest Nuamah is still recovering. Morton and Tagliafico are suspended.

‎Prediction: Auxerre 1–2 Lyon

‎Auxerre’s home form offers a glimmer of hope, but Lyon’s superior quality should be enough to edge a tight match.