Overview
Lens has an impressive 2025-2026 season in Ligue 1, especially at home, but the arrival of coach Dino Toppmoller will raise many questions. They once averaged 2.47 points per game at Stade Bollaert-Delelis under Pierre Sage, and won 14/17 home matches.
However, one of the home defeats was decisive when Lens was defeated 2-0 by PSG in May, thereby directly affecting the championship race. Lens also only participated in the French Super Cup for the second time. In the first time in 1998, they lost to PSG 0-1.
History is not on Lens' side as PSG has won all 8 recent encounters. The last time Lens defeated the capital team was in 2023 with a 3-1 victory at home.
PSG is in a completely different mindset. After defeating Aston Villa 2-1 to win the UEFA Super Cup, Luis Enrique's team will aim for a second title in just a few days. The reigning Ligue 1 and Champions League champions also set a goal to win the French Super Cup for the fifth consecutive time.
If the goal is achieved, PSG will win the French Super Cup for the 15th time, continuing to consolidate their record in the tournament. The last time they lifted the cup was after defeating Marseille in a penalty shootout last year.
Despite losing 1-2 to Paris FC in their most recent away match in Ligue 1 last season, PSG still has a very good record in the French Super Cup. They have not lost a match since the 0-1 defeat to Lille in 2021.
The match at Stade Bollaert-Delelis also evokes memories of PSG defeating Marseille 2-1 here in 2020. With current form and a streak of 8 consecutive wins against Lens, PSG is rated significantly higher.
With Lens, this is an opportunity for Dino Toppmoller to make his mark right in the first official match. And PSG can turn the Super Cup into the starting point for a season that continues to dominate French football.
Personnel situation
Lens may be missing Jhoanner Chavez due to a thigh injury, while Nidal Celik has a hamstring problem. Samson Baidoo is also uncertain to play due to leg pain, while Jonathan Gradit continues his recovery process after a broken calf.
Thorgan Hazard is competing for a starting spot after joining Lens in mid-July. Saud Abdulhamid may also continue to be given a chance after being officially signed this summer.
On PSG's side, Achraf Hakimi returned to play in the middle of the week, for the first time since the Champions League final. Newcomer Maghnes Akliouche also made his debut, while Lucas Digne looked forward to his first match after moving from Aston Villa.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue both scored in PSG's 2-1 win over Aston Villa in the UEFA Super Cup match.
Expected lineup:
Lens: Risser, Antonio, Ganiou, Nawrocki, Abdulhamid, Bulatovic, Haidara, Hazard, Thuavin, Ivanovic, Edouard.
PSG: Safonov, Hakimi, Beraldo, Zabarnyi, Digne, Neves, Vitinha, Zaire-Emery, Doue, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia.
The match between Lens and PSG takes place at 1:45 am on August 17 (Vietnam time).
