Ligue 1 Preview: Paris Faces Paris Saint-Germain In Paris Derby As Lille Takes On Rennes

‎French football returns in style this weekend as Ligue 1 heads into the first fixtures of 2026.

‎From the eagerly anticipated Parisian derby to crucial clashes for European qualification, the league promises drama, goals, and storylines that could shape the second half of the season.

‎Here’s a detailed look at the key fixtures.

‎Paris Saint-Germain vs Paris FC

‎Date & Venue: Sunday, Parc des Princes

‎Current Standings: PSG 2nd (36 pts), Paris FC 14th (16 pts)

‎The first Parisian derby of the season sees a dominant PSG take on newly promoted Paris FC.

‎Luis Enrique’s side has enjoyed an exceptional start to the 2025-26 season, adding the FIFA Intercontinental Cup and UEFA Super Cup to last year’s treble of Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Champions League.

‎However, Ligue 1 has proven more challenging, with two losses in 16 games leaving them just one point behind leaders RC Lens.

‎After a 1-0 defeat to AS Monaco at the end of November, PSG has bounced back with three wins and two draws, including a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Flamengo in the Intercontinental Cup.

‎The Parisians will now look to carry this momentum into 2026 by securing a commanding derby victory.

‎Paris FC, returning to the top-flight after a 46-year absence, has struggled recently, losing four of its last five league matches.

‎Despite flashes of quality earitsin the season, their form has dipped, leaving them 14th and just four points above the relegation zone. A 3-0 Coupe de France win in their last match offers hope, but they face an uphill task against a star-studded PSG squad.

‎Team News:

‎PSG: Matvey Safonov, Quentin Ndjantou, Lee Kang-In, Achraf Hakimi, Ibrahim Mbaye out (injury/AFCON).

‎Paris FC: Samir Chergui, Ilan Kebbal, Jean-Philippe Krasso, Moses Simon, Hamari Traore out (AFCON); Pierre-Yves Hamel and Pierre Lees-Melou doubtful.

‎Predicted Lineups:

‎PSG: Chevalier; Zaire-Emery, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Ruiz, Vitinha, Neves; Barcola, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia

‎Paris FC: Nkambadio; Sangui, Mbow, Otavio, Smet; Cafaro, Camara, Marchetti, Lopez, Ikone; Geubbels

‎Prediction: PSG 3-0 Paris FC

‎With superior quality and depth, PSG should dominate the derby, especially as Paris FC are weakened by injuries and AFCON absences.

‎Nice vs Strasbourg: 

‎Date & Venue: Saturday, Allianz Riviera

‎Current Standings: Nice 13th (5 pts above play-off), Strasbourg 7th

‎Nice’s woes under Franck Haise came to a head after a nine-game winless streak in all competitions, prompting the club to turn to Claude Puel for a second spell in charge.

‎The Eagles are looking for stability and a quick return to form as they host Strasbourg.

‎The visitors have been strong defensively, remaining unbeaten in their last four matches, with six of their seven league wins coming without conceding. In contrast, Nice have struggled at home, losing four of their last five Ligue 1 games at the Allianz Riviera.

‎Team News:

‎Nice: Abdelmonem, Ndayishimiye, Bombito injured; Boudaoui, Diouf, Mendy, Abdi on international duty; Louchet suspended; Boga, Moffi doubtful.

‎Strasbourg: Sow injured; Doue, Sarr on international duty; Emegha unlikely; Nzingoula doubtful.

‎Predicted Lineups:

‎Nice: Dupe; Clauss, Bah, Peprah, Bard; A. Samen, Sanson, Ndombele; Diop, Kevin, Cho

‎Strasbourg: Penders; Amo-Ameyaw, Doukoure, Omobamidele, Chillwell; Moreira, El Mourabet, Barco; Enciso, Nanasi, Panichelli

‎Prediction: Nice 1-2 Strasbourg

‎Strasbourg’s cohesion and defensive discipline may allow them to frustrate Nice, despite the hosts’ desire for a turnaround under Puel.

‎Monaco vs Lyon

‎Date & Venue: Saturday, Stade Louis-II

‎Current Standings: Monaco 9th (23 pts), Lyon 5th (27 pts)

‎Monaco looks to arrest a turbulent first half of the season, sitting in 12th place after inconsistent results.

‎Recent defensive lapses have cost points, though victories over PSG and Galatasaray highlight their potential. Offensively, Balogun and Ansu Fati remain key threats, and the team will aim to regain momentum on home soil.

‎Lyon have shown resilience, especially away, keeping five clean sheets in their last seven matches.

‎Corentin Tolisso leads their scoring, with support from Pavel Sulc and Afonso Moreira. While aware of Monaco’s historical home advantage, Lyon will look to secure at least a point.

‎Team News:

‎Monaco: Camara, Diatta (AFCON); Minamino injured; Dier excused; Kohn back; Pogba recovering; Zakaria suspended; Fati regaining fitness.

‎Lyon: Endrick ineligible; Fofana injured; Nuamah, Mangala recovering; Maitland-Niles returns

‎Predicted Lineups:

‎Monaco: Hradecky; Kehrer, Vanderson, Henrique, Salisu; Teze, Akliouche, Coulibaly; Golovin, Balogun, Biereth

‎Lyon: Grief; Maitland-Niles, Kluivert, Hateboer, Vinicius; Merah, Morton, Tolisso; Moreira, Sulc, Satriano

‎Prediction: Monaco 1-1 Lyon

‎A tight encounter is expected, with both sides capable of taking points but defensive caution likely dictating a draw

‎Lille vs Rennes

‎Date & Venue: Saturday, Stade Pierre-Mauroy

‎Current Standings: Lille 4th (32 pts), Rennes 6th (27 pts)

‎Lille head into 2026 with confidence, riding a four-match winning streak in Ligue 1.

‎Their attack, spearheaded by Giroud and Haraldsson, is among the league’s most potent. Rennes will test them, having bounced back from a 5-0 defeat to PSG with two consecutive wins.

‎Both sides are aiming for European qualification, making this clash crucial. Lille’s strong record when scoring first and Rennes’ recent form promise an end-to-end affair.

‎Team News

‎Lille: Alexsandro, Toure injured; Ngoy, Perraud suspended; Mbemba, Mandi at AFCON; Bouaddi available.

‎Rennes: Ait Boudlal, Fofana, Nagida at AFCON.

‎Predicted Lineups:

‎Lille: Ozer; Meunier, Fernandes, Santos, Verdonk; Bouaddi, Bentaleb; Mbappe, Haraldsson, Sahraoui; Giroud

‎Rennes: Samba; Brassier, Rouault, Jacquet; Tamari, Cisse, Rongier, Camara, Frankowski; Embolo, Le Paul

‎Prediction: Lille 2-2 Rennes

‎Both teams boast attacking prowess, making a high-scoring draw the most likely outcome.

‎Toulouse vs Lens

‎Date & Venue: Friday, Stadium de Toulouse

‎Current Standings: Lens 1st (37 pts), Toulouse 8th (23 pts)

‎Lens begins 2026 with a chance to extend its lead atop Ligue 1 against a resurgent Toulouse.

‎The lead has been defensively solid, conceding just 13 goals, and relies on Odsonne Edouard for key moments upfront. Toulouse, meanwhile, has enjoyed a strong run, winning seven of their last matches across all competitions and seeking consecutive home wins in the league for the first time since 2024.

‎Team News:

‎Toulouse: Abu Francis out; Kamanzi doubtful; Magri at AFCON.

‎Lens: Gradit doubtful; Chavez questionable; Sangare at AFCON.

‎Predicted Lineups:

‎Toulouse: Restes; McKenzie, Cresswell, Nicolaisen; Sidibe, Vossah, Casseres, Methalie; Hidalgo, Gboho, Emersonn

‎Lens: Risser; Ganiou, Baidoo, Sarr; Aguilar, Sangare, Thomasson, Udol; Thauvin, Said, Edouard

‎Prediction: Toulouse 1-2 Lens

‎Lens are favorites to extend their advantage at the top, but Toulouse’s recent form suggests a competitive match.