Overview
After winning direct promotion from Ligue 2 last season, Paris FC is experiencing a relatively successful first season in Ligue 1 by soon staying away from the relegation battle.
The capital team has won 3 of their last 5 matches, including destroying Brest with a 4-goal difference at Stade Jean Bouin. However, Paris FC is facing the risk of losing 2 consecutive matches for the first time since November last year after losing to Rennes last weekend.
Despite being led, Rennes still successfully reversed the score thanks to goals from Esteban Lepaul and Breel Embolo, causing the capital team to miss the opportunity to improve their position in the rankings.
However, home form is still a significant support for Paris FC as they have won 4 of their last 5 matches at Stade Jean Bouin in Ligue 1. Before this weekend's round, Paris FC is ranked 11th - a fairly safe position for a newcomer.
In the opposite direction, Paris Saint-Germain continues to affirm their dominant position in French football. Luis Enrique's team just defeated Lens 2-0 in a postponed match in the middle of the week thanks to goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ibrahim Mbaye.
That result helped PSG extend their unbeaten streak to 7 matches in all competitions, including five wins. The capital team also quickly successfully defended the Ligue 1 championship by creating a 9-point gap with the chasing group.
Although the focus at this time is on the upcoming Champions League final, PSG is certainly still very determined in this weekend's away match. Especially after they were eliminated from the French National Cup by Paris FC in January.
Personnel situation
Paris FC will not have the service of Jean-Philippe Krasso in the reception of PSG this weekend. The Ivory Coast striker - an important factor in the 2024-2025 promotion campaign - is currently still undergoing knee injury treatment.
In addition to Krasso, the home team is also missing Pierre-Yves Hamel. This experienced striker has not played since August last year due to a prolonged muscle injury.
On Paris Saint-Germain's side, Achraf Hakimi is definitely absent after suffering a thigh problem in the 5-4 win over Bayern Munich last month.
PSG is also not yet able to use number one goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier due to a thigh injury, meaning Matvey Safonov will continue to guard the goal of the capital team.
Meanwhile, Warren Zaire-Emery has recovered from a minor injury but is unlikely to be risked by Luis Enrique. PSG wants to maintain the best physical condition for this young midfielder before the Champions League final.
Expected lineup:
Paris FC: Trapp, Traore, Coppola, Otavio, Sangui, Lees-Melou, Matondo, Gory, Kebbal, Koleosho, Geubbels.
PSG: Safonov, Mayulu, Zabarnyi, Beraldo, Hernandez, Fernandez, Neves, Doue, Barcola, Kvaratskhelia, Dembele.
The match between Paris FC and PSG takes place at 2:00 AM on May 18 (Vietnam time).
