Ligue 1 Preview: Lens, PSG, And Lyon Battle For Top Spot

As Ligue 1 approaches its 23rd matchday, the stakes are higher than ever across France.

‎From the title race to the fight to avoid relegation, this weekend promises drama, goals, and intense tactical battles. Let’s take a closer look at the key fixtures and what fans can expect.

Les Sang et Or Aim to Extend Their Lead

‎Lens will look to maintain, or even extend, their top-of-the-table position when they host Monaco at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis on Saturday.

‎Following a stunning 5-0 victory over Paris FC, Les Sang et Or have returned to first place, a single point ahead of Paris Saint-Germain. Under Pierre Sage, Lens has been dominant at home, winning ten consecutive Ligue 1 matches at Stade Bollaert-Delelis.

‎Lens has also enjoyed recent dominance over Monaco, winning their last two meetings by a combined margin of 8-1, including a 4-0 victory at the same venue last season.

‎On the other hand, Monaco has struggled away from Stade Louis II, scoring only once in their last three away fixtures and failing to find the net in their last two.

‎With a 12-point cushion over Marseille for an automatic Champions League spot, Lens will be eager to capitalize on home advantage.

‎Team News

‎Injury concerns could affect Lens, with Regis Gurtner, Samson Baidoo, and Jonathan Gradit all questionable. Monaco faces a long list of absences, including Paul Pogba, Takumi Minamino, and Lukas Hradecky, while Aleksandr Golovin is suspended.

‎Considering Lens’ depth and Monaco’s inconsistent form, a 3-1 home win looks likely.

‎PSG Target Return to the Summit

‎Metz travel to the Parc des Princes hoping to climb out of the relegation zone, while Paris Saint-Germain look to reclaim first place after a 3-1 defeat to Rennes.

‎PSG have won six consecutive home matches in Ligue 1, conceding just once during that run. Metz, meanwhile, has struggled on the road, collecting only one point away from home since early November.

‎PSG have yet to lose against newly promoted sides this season and have historically dominated Metz at home, winning their last ten encounters.

‎Team News

Injuries could impact both sides, with Fabian Ruiz out for PSG and Ousmane Dembele doubtful, while Metz may be without Pape Sy, Benjamin Stambouli, and Boubacar Traore.

‎Despite PSG playing midweek in the Champions League, their superior depth and firepower suggest a comfortable 5-0 victory.

‎Toulouse Eye Home Revival

‎Toulouse returns to Stadium de Toulouse after a disappointing run in February, facing a struggling Paris FC side. Toulouse have conceded only once in three of their last home matches and have previously won two home encounters against Paris FC.

‎Paris FC, on the other hand, has been inconsistent all season, losing four consecutive Ligue 1 matches and conceding seven goals in their last two outings.

‎Team News

‎Injuries may affect both sides, with Toulouse missing Frank Magri and Abu Francis, while Paris FC could be without Thibault De Smet, Hamari Traore, and Samir Chergui.

‎At home, Toulouse’s attacking strength should shine through against Paris FC’s leaky defense, making a 2-1 home win the most likely outcome.

‎Auxerre vs Rennes

‎Auxerre aim to strengthen their fight against relegation when they host Rennes at Stade de l’Abbe-Deschamps. Auxerre have struggled offensively, scoring only 17 goals this season, the lowest in Ligue 1, but they have shown defensive resilience in recent matches.

‎Rennes, meanwhile, are pushing for a European spot but have failed to win away against teams in the bottom three this season.

‎Team News

‎Auxerre could be without Nathan Buayi-Kiala, Oussama El Azzouzi, and Francisco Sierralta, while Rennes may miss Glen Kamara, Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal, and Przemyslaw Frankowski.

‎With Auxerre’s home advantage and Rennes’ struggles against bottom-tier teams, a 1-1 draw appears likely.

‎Can Strasbourg Stun the Momentum of Lyon?

‎Strasbourg welcomes Lyon to Stade de la Meinau, with the visitors riding a remarkable winning streak in 2026.

‎Lyon has won 13 consecutive matches across all competitions this year, but Strasbourg has a knack for scoring late goals, netting six after the 75th minute this season. Lyon has historically found it difficult at Strasbourg, losing at Stade de la Meinau as recently as 2023.

‎Strasbourg could be missing Ismael Doukoure, Sam Amo-Ameyaw, and Emanuel Emegha. Lyon may be without Orel Mangala, Ruben Kluivert, and Roman Yaremchuk.

‎Considering Strasbourg’s resilience at home, a 1-1 draw seems a realistic prediction despite Lyon’s momentum.

‎Lille Look to Bounce Back

‎Angers host Lille at the Raymond Kopa Stadium, aiming to narrow the gap to fifth-placed Lille, who are in the hunt for Europa League qualification.

‎Angers have struggled to score, failing to find the net on 21 occasions since the start of last season. Lille have also faced a difficult run, going winless in their last six Ligue 1 matches, but they have historically edged Angers, including a 1-0 victory earlier this season.

‎Team News

‎Angers will be without Carlens Arcus due to suspension, while Lille has a long injury list including Hamza Igamane, Ousmane Toure, and Thomas Meunier, though Noah Edjouma is fit.

‎Lille’s ability to score late goals may be decisive, and a narrow 1-0 victory on the road looks most likely.