Paris SG vs Lens prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2023-08-25 19:00.
A Ligue 1 blockbuster awaits on Saturday night, as reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain host last season's runners-up Lens, who trailed them by just a single point. After a goalless draw against Lorient in the season opener, coach Luis Enrique’s men were on the cusp of securing their first win of 2023/24 Ligue 1 campaign last weekend, but conceding an 87th minute penalty forced them to settle for a 1-1 draw at Toulouse.
Despite a "lack of control" as stated by Enrique, such a start is not concerning, knowing that under Laurent Blanc, PSG began the 2013/14 season with two draws in Ligue 1 and still went on to clinch the title. However, what might concern the fans is the lack of success at Parc des Princes of late, where PSG have only won two of their last seven Ligue 1 matches (D1, L4).
One of these victories was a 3-1 success against Lens in April, but playing with ten men for over 70 minutes certainly didn't help Franck Haise's men. The departure of key players Seko Fofana and Loïs Openda is weighing heavy this season, as Lens are still in search for their first win after a 3-2 loss at Brest on opening weekend was followed up by a 1-1 home draw against Rennes on Sunday.
If the Blood and Gold are to upset the odds and claim a fourth win in five league away games (L1), they'll have to be far more careful at the back, after conceding three of their four league goals this season from the penalty spot. History is firmly against them in their quest for an upset however, as none of the last seven H2Hs have witnessed the away side on the day emerge victorious (D2, L5).
Players to watch: After clarifying his situation with PSG, it took Kylian Mbappé just 11 minutes to score from the bench in his first appearance of the season last weekend. Having arrived from Montpellier this week, Elye Wahi will be looking to have his usual late impact after scoring his team’s last goal in his previous 12 goalscoring outings.
Hot stat: PSG failed to win all three home league matches in which they trailed at half-time last season (D1, L2).