PSG will take on RC Lens in the Coupe de France round of 64 late on Sunday night.
The Coupe de France round of 64 presents a mouthwatering all-Ligue 1 clash as RC Lens welcome defending champions PSG to the Stade Bollaert-Delelis on Sunday night. One of the tournament favourites will be eliminated early in this highly anticipated encounter under the electric atmosphere of a packed stadium.
PSG enter the competition as reigning league champions and cup holders, carrying the weight of expectations. Despite the tough draw, Luis Enrique’s men are buoyed by a remarkable run of form. The Parisians secured a pivotal 4-2 comeback victory over title challengers Monaco midweek, ensuring they finish 2024 with a commanding 10-point lead atop Ligue 1. This win followed impressive triumphs against Red Bull Salzburg in the Champions League and Lyon in domestic action, underlining their dominance across competitions.
For PSG, the Coupe de France is a cherished tournament. They claimed the title last May by defeating Lyon and will aim for another deep run, seeking to add to their glittering history in the competition. Their recent form against Lens is encouraging, having won their last four encounters, including a narrow 1-0 league victory in November. PSG’s pedigree in knockout competitions and a history of success in this tournament solidify their status as favourites.
Meanwhile, Lens, under the stewardship of Will Still, will relish the challenge despite the daunting task ahead. The Blood and Gold are in good form, having collected seven points from their last three Ligue 1 games. A 2-2 draw against high-flying Auxerre last weekend showcased their resilience.
However, their recent cup history has been less favourable, including a round of 64 exit to AS Monaco last season and tough draws in successive years. Still, Lens boasts a passionate home crowd and a never-say-die attitude, which could prove instrumental in this David vs. Goliath encounter.
This match-up also rekindles memories of the 1998 Coupe de France final, where PSG edged out Lens 2-1. Despite their rich cup history, Lens has never lifted the trophy, with their best recent finish being a semi-final appearance in 2010.
They will be motivated to change their fortunes against a PSG side that has often been their nemesis in knockout competitions, including the 2008 Coupe de la Ligue final. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Team News & Tactics
RC Lens
RC Lens will be without Remy Labeau Lascary, who suffered a severe knee injury during the draw against Auxerre last weekend. Another concern is Angelo Fulgini, who was forced off in that game, but his injury is not expected to sideline him for the long term.
Additionally, Jonathan Gradit and Nampalys Mendy remain unavailable after missing the past few weeks. They join longer-term absentees Jimmy Cabot and Ruben Aguilar on the treatment table, reducing Lens’ options for this crucial clash.
In terms of formation, Lens is expected to deploy a 5-2-3 setup. Brice Samba will guard the goal, supported by a defensive line of Przemyslaw Frankowski and Facundo Medina as full-backs, with Kevin Danso, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Jhoanner Chavez forming the central defensive trio.
The midfield pivot will likely consist of Adrien Thomasson and Neil El Aynaoui, who will aim to control the game from the centre of the park. In attack, David Pereira da Costa, Mbala Nzola, and Anass Zaroury will spearhead the offensive efforts, tasked with troubling PSG’s formidable defence.
Probable Lineup (5-2-3): Samba; Frankowski, Danso, Khusanov, Medina, Chavez; Thomasson, El Aynaoui; Da Costa, Nzola, Zaroury
RC Lens vs PSG: Preview and Prediction.
PSG
Paris Saint-Germain will remain without Nuno Mendes, who missed the AS Monaco clash due to a hamstring injury sustained against Lyon, and the Portuguese left-back is still being monitored for his recovery. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma is also unlikely to feature after suffering a facial injury from Wilfried Singo’s studs during the midweek encounter, which required multiple stitches.
Matvey Safonov is expected to deputize in his absence. Teenager Desire Doue continues to shine, scoring in the win over Monaco, making it two goals and two assists in his last three games. Meanwhile, Goncalo Ramos is pushing for a starting spot after scoring in three consecutive matches, including two crucial goals as a substitute in the last two.
PSG are expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation. Matvey Safonov will start in goal, protected by a back four comprising Achraf Hakimi and Joao Neves as the full-backs, with Marquinhos and Willian Pacho forming the central defensive duo.
The midfield will feature Warren Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, and Fabian Ruiz, offering a blend of energy and creativity. In the attacking trident, Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola will operate on the wings, while Desire Doue will lead the line, tasked with continuing his impressive form in front of goal.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Safonov; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Joao Neves; Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz; Dembele, Doue, Barcola
RC Lens vs PSG: Preview and Prediction.
Key Stats
Paris Saint-Germain have been one of the most successful clubs in Coupe de France history, winning the competition 14 times, including last season’s triumph against Lyon in the final.
Lens have not beaten PSG in their last four encounters, with their most recent loss coming in Ligue 1 earlier this season, a 1-0 defeat in Paris.
Lens have been handed tough Coupe de France draws in consecutive seasons, being eliminated by Monaco in the Round of 64 last season. They have reached the final three times in their history but have yet to win the trophy.
PSG are unbeaten in their last 31 away matches in Ligue 1, a streak they will hope to replicate in the Coupe de France as they play at the intimidating Stade Bollaert-Delelis.
Lens have taken seven points from their last three Ligue 1 games and remain a strong team at home, boasting a vibrant atmosphere at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis, which could pose a challenge to PSG’s dominance.
Player to Watch
Desire Doue
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At just 18 years old, Desire Doue has emerged as one of PSG’s brightest young talents this season. The teenager has seized his recent opportunities in the first team, delivering standout performances that have caught the eye of both fans and critics. With two goals and two assists in his last three appearances, Doue is proving to be a dynamic force in PSG’s attack.
His composure in high-pressure moments was evident in his influential display against AS Monaco, where he not only scored but also contributed to the build-up play with his intelligent positioning and quick decision-making. Comfortable operating in an advanced midfield or wide attacking role, Doue’s creativity and technical skill make him a constant threat to opposing defences.
As PSG take on Lens in the Coupe de France, Doue will once again have the platform to showcase his talent in a crucial knockout fixture. With the likes of Ousmane Dembele and Goncalo Ramos also in the mix, Doue’s ability to link up effectively with his more experienced teammates will be key to PSG’s attacking success.
Prediction
RC Lens 1-3 PSG
This Coupe de France clash promises to be a thrilling contest, but PSG’s superior quality and depth are likely to shine through. Lens will undoubtedly put up a strong fight, especially with the passionate support of the Stade Bollaert-Delelis crowd, but their injury concerns and the absence of key players like Remy Labeau Lascary and Jonathan Gradit may hinder their ability to contain PSG’s formidable attack.
Paris Saint-Germain, despite facing their own challenges, have been in stellar form recently, with Desire Doue, Goncalo Ramos, and Ousmane Dembele all firing on all cylinders. The combination of youthful exuberance and experience in the PSG lineup should give them the edge in this encounter. Lens’s impressive home record and resilience will likely see them find the net, but PSG’s firepower should secure a comfortable victory to progress to the next round.