Ligue 1 Weekend Preview: PSG Seeks Fourth Straight Win as Strasbourg Aims To Build Momentum

‎The Ligue 1 weekend promises high drama across France, with Paris Saint-Germain aiming to strengthen its position at the summit and a wounded Monaco side desperate to end troubling losing streak.

‎Elsewhere, Strasbourg pursues consistency, Lyon hunts for momentum, and Le Havre braces for a powerful Lille attack.

‎Here is the full, detailed preview.

‎PSG Looking to Extend Dominance 

‎Paris Saint-Germain head to the Stade Louis II on Saturday searching for their fourth consecutive Ligue 1 victory.

‎While hosts Monaco attempt to avoid a damaging fourth straight league defeat. Both sides arrive from contrasting European nights, with PSG thrilling in a chaotic 5–3 win over Tottenham Hotspur, while Monaco were left frustrated after a dramatic 2–2 draw against Pafos.

‎The champions showed resilience in Europe, twice coming from behind before establishing a commanding lead, inspired by a Vitinha hat-trick and Randal Kolo Muani’s brace against his parent club.

‎Back home, PSG remain on track for yet another Ligue 1 crown, unbeaten in eight domestic matches and still holding a narrow two-point cushion over close rivals Marseille and Lens.

‎But despite their status, there is no sense of untouchability. Luis Enrique’s men have looked vulnerable at times, and their slim lead at the top of the table offers little comfort.

‎Even so, their home form has been nearly flawless, dropping points only against Strasbourg so far this season.

‎Monaco, on the other hand, is navigating a crisis under manager Sebastien Pocognoli. Defensive fragility has plagued the side, with 25 goals conceded more than any team in the top half.

‎Successive heavy defeats to Paris FC, Lens, and Rennes have sent them crashing to eighth place. Their midweek draw brought another setback, as veteran David Luiz became the second-oldest scorer in Champions League history before a late Mohammed Salisu own goal denied them victory.

‎Matches against PSG have also been unforgiving, with Monaco conceding at least four goals in three of the last five meetings across all competitions. Saturday’s clash could not come at a more difficult moment.

‎Team news

‎PSG welcomed back Ousmane Dembele in midweek, though Desire Doué and Achraf Hakimi remain sidelined.

‎Nuno Mendes faces a short spell out after aggravating a thigh issue, meaning Lucas Hernandez is expected to start despite his European suspension not applying in Ligue 1.

‎Monaco must cope without Denis Zakaria following his red card, while Folarin Balogun returns from suspension. Injuries to Eric Dier and Christian Mawissa weaken their defensive options further.

‎With goals expected given Monaco’s chaotic defensive record and PSG’s prowess in attack, the champions look primed to take advantage.

‎Our prediction: Monaco 1–3 PSG.

‎Strasbourg aims to Build Momentum

‎Fresh from a confidence-boosting 2–1 win over Crystal Palace in the UEFA Conference League. Strasbourg turns its attention back to Ligue 1, where it hosts Brest. European form has been encouraging for Le RCS, who now sit second in the Conference League’s expansive 36-team format.

‎However, domestic inconsistency has hindered their progress, with two defeats in their last three league matches.

‎Strasbourg has still accumulated a respectable 22 points from 13 matches, but the fight for Champions League qualification remains tight.

‎Six points separate them from third-placed Lens, and any slip-up this weekend could allow sides like Rennes or Lyon to gain ground.

‎Rosenior’s team boasts one of the league’s stronger attacks, scoring 24 goals better than most outside the division’s established elites. Their defence has also held relatively firm, conceding just 17 times.

‎Brest, in contrast, has endured a turbulent season and entered last weekend winless in six before finally breaking the streak with a 3–2 victory.

‎Yet their away record remains poor, with one win in six on the road and a general lack of attacking threat. Their hopes are further dampened by the suspension of Valentin Barco and a long injury list that includes Abdoul Ouattara, Saidou Sow, Maxi Oyedele, Karl-Johan Johnsson, and Radosław Majecki.

‎Chelsea loanee Mike Penders continues in goal for Strasbourg due to ongoing injuries in the squad, while Emmanuel Emegha is expected to lead the attack after scoring in Europe.

‎Given Strasbourg’s impressive European showing and Brest’s ongoing struggles, the hosts are slight favourites.

‎Our prediction: Strasbourg 2–1 Brest.

‎Lyon Look to Revive Their Season Against Relegation-Threatened Nantes

‎Lyon faces Nantes on Sunday in a crucial match that could determine their trajectory over the coming weeks. After a frustrating 0–0 draw with Auxerre, Lyon sits seventh, level on goal difference, with a four-game winless run threatening to derail their season.

‎Home form has been erratic, with two defeats in their last three at Groupama Stadium. A failure to win on Sunday would equal their longest winless spell since their disastrous start to the 2023–24 campaign.

‎Defensive vulnerability has resurfaced, with six goals conceded in their last three at home.

‎Fortunately for Lyon, they have enjoyed recent success against Nantes, remaining unbeaten in the last four meetings.

‎For Nantes, the situation is even more concerning. With only two league wins all season and points dropped in their last four matches, they sit precariously above the relegation zone.

‎Their away form, however, has been a rare positive, going unbeaten in their last four and maintaining a strong defensive shape.

‎Team news

‎Both sides face several injury concerns. Lyon will be without Orel Mangala, Ernest Nuamah, Malick Fofana, and Ruben Kluivert, while doubts remain over Clinton Mata and Rachid Ghezzal.

‎Nicolas Tagliafico and Tyler Morton return from suspension. Nantes, meanwhile, remains without Francis Coquelin and possibly Louis Leroux, though Chidozie Awaziem has been influential in recent matches.

‎With Nantes proving surprisingly resilient away from home and former Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes eager for a standout performance against his old club, this could be a tricky evening for the hosts.

‎Our prediction: Lyon 0–1 Nantes.

‎Le Havre Brace for Lille’s Attack

‎Le Havre concludes the month with a challenging meeting against Lille, who enter the match on a high after scoring four against Paris FC. Le Havre’s unbeaten run was halted last weekend by PSG, and they now sit 13th just three points clear of relegation.

‎At home, though, they have been tough to beat, going five matches without defeat and showing strong defensive resilience. Their fighting spirit has been key, coming from behind to secure draws in three of their last four home fixtures.

‎Lille are rediscovering their goalscoring rhythm after a dry spell. Having scored four goals across their last two matches, they will now try to end a troubling run of three straight defeats away from home.

‎Their season mirrors last year’s at this stage, though this time they boast an additional victory.

‎Historically, Lille has dominated this matchup, winning its last three away meetings and keeping five consecutive clean sheets at Stade Océane.

‎Team news

‎Le Havre is potentially missing Aboulaye Toure, Andy Logbo, and Mbwana Samatta, while Lille is without reserve goalkeeper Marc-Auël Caillard and defender Calvin Verdonk. Olivier Giroud, who netted a brace last weekend, continues to lead the line.

‎Given Le Havre’s struggles against the league’s top sides, conceding 11 goals against the top three, Lille’s firepower may prove overwhelming once again.

‎Our prediction: Le Havre 1–3 Lille.