Paris Saint-Germain vs Lens predictions in our match preview for Saturday’s Ligue 1 tie. It has been a very disappointing start of the season for Les Parisiens who are still looking for the first win. Would they get it this weekend? Read on for our free Serie A predictions and betting tips.
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Match Live Saturday, 26th August at 8:00 pm In:
Paris Saint-Germain vs Lens Predictions
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Champions Still Chasing First Win
Key Stats
– Lens’s Deiver Machado is their top scorer with two goals in just two games.
– Both teams have a tendency to lose their leads, highlighting the importance of the game’s latter stages.
Paris Saint-Germain, the reigning champions, are yet to taste victory this Ligue 1 season as they host Lens this Saturday evening at the famed Parc des Princes. It’s a surprising predicament given PSG’s formidable reputation and their history of dominance in the French top division.
PSG’s Struggle
Despite a commanding start to their campaign, PSG find themselves yet to put three points on the board. Their initial match against Lorient saw a dominance rarely matched, with 20 shots and complete control over the game. However, the final whistle blew with the scoreline reading a rather drab 0-0.
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Their bout against Toulouse further highlighted their issues in front of the goal. With possession statistics any team would dream of (77%), they once again stumbled. The Parisians thought they had snatched the win when Kylian Mbappe netted from the spot, but their celebration was cut short after a penalty was conceded in the dying minutes, thanks to Achraf Hakimi’s mistimed challenge.
Lens: Underdogs with a Bite
Lens, not far behind PSG last season, are looking to capitalise on their opponent’s stuttering form. Their near-miss last season by a mere point is an indication of the threat they pose. However, Lens’s own start to the season hasn’t been without its hitches. Leading by two goals against Brest, they were dealt a 3-2 defeat. Their subsequent game against Rennes, too, had them relinquishing their lead.
Despite this, Lens’s gameplay has showcased some star performances. Deiver Machado stands out, with two goals already, and Florian Sotoca too has made his presence felt on the pitch.
Team News
PSG’s injury woes continue. Defensive stalwarts Juan Bernat, Presnel Kimpembe, and Nuno Mendes are all confirmed absentees. However, fans can take solace in the fact that star forward Mbappe, after his super-sub appearance last weekend, is likely to start, complemented by Ousmane Dembele and Goncalo Ramos.
Lens, too, have their share of injuries. Notably missing will be Jimmy Cabot, Wuilker Farinez, and Wesley Said. Their formation, likely a 3-4-2-1, will see Florian Sotoca as the focal point in attack.
Predictions
1. Match Outcome Prediction: Draw
When we examine the current forms and statistics of both teams, PSG and Lens have displayed a sense of vulnerability in their performances. PSG, despite their dominating presence in Ligue 1 over recent years, are still waiting for their maiden win of this season. They’ve shown substantial ball possession (averaging 77%), but their finishing has been lacklustre. Even though they’ve managed an average of 18 shots per game, they’ve only scored once in two matches. This paints a picture of a team that is controlling the game but failing to convert those chances into goals.
Lens, on the other hand, have shown that they can score but have defensive fragilities. They’ve scored three goals in two games but have also conceded four. Their capacity to lead matches and then lose grip, as evidenced against Brest, showcases a squad that can surprise PSG but also one that can be vulnerable when under pressure.
Considering these factors, this match has all the ingredients of a tense showdown. PSG’s need to clinch their first win, combined with Lens’ unpredictable nature, could see both teams cancelling each other out. Hence, a draw seems a plausible outcome, ensuring neither side walks away entirely empty-handed.
2. Correct Score Prediction: 1-1
Building on the draw prediction, let’s focus on how the goals might be distributed. PSG, with their attacking prowess, should be on the scoresheet. Players like Mbappe and Dembele possess the quality to find the net, especially with Lens having conceded an average of two goals per game. However, PSG’s defensive trio is currently sidelined, which might make them more susceptible to Lens’ counter-attacks and set pieces.
Lens, while having a lower ball possession average (51%) compared to PSG, have shown they can be clinical. Players like Deiver Machado, who currently is their top scorer with two goals, can potentially capitalise on PSG’s weakened defence. Given both teams’ current forms and statistics, a 1-1 draw seems a likely scoreline. It balances PSG’s dominant play with their inability to finish and Lens’s ability to score but also concede.
3. Goalscorer Prediction: Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe is one of the most formidable forwards in world football, and his statistics support this claim. Despite PSG’s lukewarm start to the season, Mbappe stands out with an impressive BettingTips4You Expert Rating of 7.70, making him PSG’s top-rated player. Furthermore, he is currently PSG’s only goal scorer in the Ligue 1 23/24 season, albeit from the penalty spot.
Even though Mbappe came off the bench to score last weekend, given the gravity of the upcoming match and PSG’s eagerness to secure their first win, it’s highly likely he’ll start. When he’s on the pitch, he becomes PSG’s primary attacking threat due to his pace, dribbling skills, and clinical finishing. Lens, having conceded four goals in their first two matches, will find it challenging to contain him for the full 90 minutes. Thus, it’s a safe bet to predict that Mbappe will find the net at some point during the match.
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