Stunned PSG turn their focus back to the league and the race for first place

Paris Saint-Germain have the chance to climb back to the top of the Ligue 1 standings on Friday night when they welcome Lille to the Parc des Princes.

The capital club start the round one point behind leaders Lens, having edged Paris FC 2–1 in their most recent league outing. Lille, meanwhile, arrive in fourth place but are looking to steady themselves after a disappointing 2–0 defeat at home to Rennes.

PSG’s confidence took a hit earlier this week as well, as their Coupe de France title defense came to an abrupt end with a shock 1–0 loss to Paris FC, snapping a four-game scoring streak. Friday’s clash will reveal how Luis Enrique’s side reacts, as they attempt to avoid back-to-back competitive losses for the first time this season.

PSG have made the Parc des Princes a fortress in Ligue 1, winning their last four league matches there and dropping points just once in their previous nine home games. Defensive solidity has been key, with the Parisians conceding more than one goal at home in only one league fixture so far, alongside six clean sheets in the process.

They have also developed a habit of starting calendar years strongly, avoiding defeat in their first two league matches since a New Year’s Day setback against Lens in 2023.

History favors the hosts too. PSG have won each of their last four encounters with Lille, including a commanding 4–1 victory in this fixture last season. Lille, by contrast, have struggled to find rhythm in 2026, losing both of their matches since the turn of the year. That downturn comes after Bruno Genesio’s men had closed out 2025 in impressive fashion, winning six of their final seven competitive games and briefly inserting themselves into the title discussion.

Now eight points off the pace heading into matchday 18, Lille risk suffering three consecutive defeats in the league for the first time this season.

PSG's next project - Enzo Fernandez

PSG will be without Matvey Safonov due to a hand injury, while Lee Kang-in remains a doubt with a thigh problem. Quentin Ndjantou Mbitcha is battling a hamstring issue, and Achraf Hakimi is unavailable as he represents Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations. Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele were both on target in the last round, with the reigning Ballon d’Or holder scoring the decisive goal just two minutes after Paris FC had equalized.

Lille also face selection issues. Ethan Mbappe is expected to miss out with a knock, Ousmane Toure is sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury, and Marc-Aurele Caillard is a doubt due to an elbow complaint. Romain Perraud and Alexsandro are suspended, while Nathan Ngoy returns from his red-card ban.

LIGUE 1 - MATCHDAY 18

Friday

21.00: (1.70) Monaco (4.00) Lorient (5.40)

23.00: (1.35) PSG (5.30) Lille (8.00)

Saturday

19.00: (1.43) Lens (4.50) Auxerre (7.50)

23.05: (5.80) Angers (3.80) Olympique Marseille (1.62)

Sunday

17.00: (1.55) Strasbourg (4.10) Metz (6.00)

19.15: (3.10) Nantes (3.40) Paris (2.45)

19.15: (1.68) Rennes (3.70) Le Havre (5.40)

22.45: (1.65) Olympique Lyon (4.00) Brest (5.30)

***odds are subject to change***