RC Lens is set to clash with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on December 22, 2024, in the Round of 64 of the Coupe de France at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis. The match promises to be thrilling as the reigning champions PSG aim to defend their title against Lens, who is seeking to capitalize on their recent form improvements.
After struggling earlier this season, Lens has found some rhythm with two wins and one draw from their last three outings, lifting them to seventh place in the Ligue 1 standings. The team has shown resilience, overcoming the slow start, highlighted by victories against Reims and Montpellier and managing to scrape through with a draw against Auxerre. Despite this upswing, Lens will face challenges against PSG, who boast impressive back-to-back wins and have consistently dominated their past encounters.
PSG enters this match with ten points clear at the top of Ligue 1, demonstrating their offensive capabilities and defensive strength. Led by manager Luis Enrique, the Parisians have successfully maintained their status, winning their last match with a significant 4-2 victory over Monaco. Their winning momentum is evident, positioning them as serious contenders to secure another Coupe de France title, having clinched the trophy last season against Lyon.
M’Bala Nzola of Lens, who has increasingly become the focal point of the attack, will be one to watch. Despite joining from Fiorentina, his recent form has seen him net two goals and one assist over the last matches, bringing his tally to four goals for the season. Conversely, PSG’s Ousmane Dembele is also on-form, having scored three goals across the last two games and tallying eight overall for the season, linking up effectively with his teammates to create goal-scoring opportunities.
While Lens hopes to rely on home advantage to boost their performance, they will mean maneuvering around several injury setbacks. Notably, key players such as Martin Satriano and Wesley Saïd will be sidelined, which significantly weakens their attacking options. The recent injury to Rémy Labeau Lascary could leave coach Will Still scrambling for options, potentially calling on newcomers to rise to the occasion.
On the other hand, PSG has fewer injury issues, with Nuno Mendes possibly missing the match due to his thigh injury. This comparatively healthier squad gives PSG the upper hand as they aim to maintain their high standards against their opposition.
The historical statistics favor PSG, who have won nine of the last 14 encounters, with Lens managing to secure just two victories. While they have not won against PSG since 2018, the home team is determined to leverage whatever momentum they can build to propel them past the Parisians this time.
Kick-off for this much-anticipated fixture is scheduled for 8:00 PM UK time (1:30 AM IST on December 23). For fans hoping to catch the action live, the match will be broadcast on BeIN Sports 1. This encounter is set against the backdrop of heightened anticipation, as fans from both sides hope for triumph as the countdown to the new year commences.
Lens’s ambitions for this Cup run will not just be about the title; it symbolizes the fight against the giants of French football. With the stakes this high, expect fireworks as both teams battle it out on the pitch!
