Lens
PSGBy Collins Ogundipe — Football expert covering Premier League and South American leagues
It is only August, but Paris Saint-Germain are already chasing their second piece of silverware this term. Fresh off lifting the UEFA Super Cup, the capital club are now eyeing a record-extending 15th triumph in the French Super Cup. Standing in their way are Coupe de France winners Lens, who, courtesy of the draw, are delighted to stage this clash on their own turf at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis.
The home side have crammed plenty of work into their pre-season schedule. After warming up with a 4-1 victory over Boulogne and a 2-2 draw against Charleroi, Lens headed to the Como Cup and came away with the silverware, beating Villarreal 3-1 in the final. That tournament offered a clear glimpse of the tactical identity being installed by new boss Dino Toppmöller, who has pushed the team toward a more direct, vertical brand of football underscored by relentless counter-pressing. Yet the final friendly at home, a 0-2 reverse against Sunderland, exposed some persistent flaws. The wing-backs frequently advanced too far, vacating dangerous space in behind, while the side’s positional defending in settled phases was often passive and susceptible to errors.
Keeping PSG’s formidable frontline quiet will be that much harder given the club’s personnel problems. No fewer than three central defenders—Gradi, Baydu and Chelik—are sidelined through injury, while Malang Sarr has departed as a free agent to Neom. Key midfielders Mamadou Sangare and Adrien Thomasson have also left the club. The attack is not spared either: leading striker Odsonne Eduard picked up a knock in the last friendly. Even under such constraints, however, Lens are unlikely to abandon their principles on home soil. Expect them to press aggressively and look for sharp vertical breaks after winning the ball, while trying to limit the time they spend patiently playing out from the back—lest they invite pressure and turnovers against PSG’s press.
Another significant handicap is the team’s near-total lack of experience in trophy matches. When Lens reached the Coupe de France final in May, it was their first title decider in 18 years. As for the French Super Cup, the club have made just one appearance in it, back in the late twentieth century, losing 0-1 to—who else?—PSG.
The Parisian pre-season was anything but long. Only returning from holiday on 27 July, the Ligue 1 champions played friendlies against Mallorca (0-3) and Manchester United (1-1) with lineups nowhere near full strength. That lack of match sharpness for many key players did not stop PSG from winning the UEFA Super Cup for the second consecutive season, edging Aston Villa 2-1. That performance demonstrated that even at less than peak physical fitness, Luis Enrique’s side can grind down organised, physically imposing opponents thanks to the sheer individual brilliance of their attacking unit.
For the latest showdown, PSG have no fresh injury concerns. Better still, their forward department is getting stronger. Maghnes Akliouche and Ferran Torres have already joined, with the transfer of Ajax’s Mika Godts believed to be imminent. Nevertheless, the players’ fitness levels do not yet allow them to sustain maximum intensity for a full 90 minutes. As a result, the visitors are expected to lean once more on total control of midfield, orchestrated by Vitinha, and progressively sap the energy of the Lens defense. Meanwhile, they will look to overload one flank before switching play diagonally to release Kvaratskhelia or Doué into one-on-one situations.
PSG’s rich history of delivering in finals should also work in their favour. Over the past three seasons, they have won 10 of their 11 trophy deciders, with the sole blemish a 0-3 loss to Chelsea at the Club World Cup. In the French Super Cup specifically, the club have been utterly dominant: they have taken the title 12 times in the last 13 editions.
Lens (3-4-2-1): Risser – Gagnon, Navrotski, Antonio – Abdulhamid, Bulatovic, Cuisance, Yudol – Thauvin, Sima – Fofana
Unavailable: Gradi, Baydu, Chelik, Chavez, Eduard (all injured), Hazar (suspended), Ivanovic (doubtful)
Coach: Dino Toppmöller
PSG (4-3-3): Safonov – Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes – Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz – Doué, Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia
Unavailable: Torres (doubtful)
Coach: Luis Enrique
Pignard established himself as one of the strictest officials in Ligue 1 last season. He averaged four yellow cards per match, although in the Lens-PSG fixture on 14 September he was more restrained, producing only three. He is also not shy of applying harsher punishment: ten of the seventeen games he refereed featured at least one penalty or a red card.
Main prediction: PSG to win at 1.75
The backing of the home crowd is arguably the only—and rather thin—argument in Lens’s favour. The hosts are still adapting to Toppmöller’s demands, whereas Luis Enrique’s trophy-winning system has been functioning smoothly for three years. The existing gap in class was enormous to begin with, and this summer Lens have also been stripped of key central-midfield figures. A defensive injury list that grows longer by the day hardly inspires confidence, nor do eight consecutive defeats in their head-to-head meetings with PSG, penalty shootouts included. That is why the pick of a PSG victory at 1.75 looks the right call.
Goals prediction: Both teams to score – yes at 1.69
Lens’s attacking qualities should not be dismissed too quickly. In summer matches that lasted the full 90 minutes, they managed to breach the opposition’s defence in four out of five cases. PSG, meanwhile, have yet to keep a clean sheet in any of their three outings this season. Moreover, goals have been scored by both sides in eight of the last twelve head-to-head encounters. A bet on both teams to find the net at 1.69 therefore holds plenty of appeal.
The editorial prediction is provided for informational purposes only and should not be treated as a direct call to action. Every reader should do their own analysis before deciding on a bet.
Lens3-4-2-1
PSG4-3-3PSG are playing their second final in four days, so rotation is a near-certainty. Lens, at home with a new manager and nothing to lose, have a real psychological edge. That's why backing both teams to score at 1.67-1.70 isn't a gamble—it's a bet on a tired favorite conceding and a hungry underdog finding the net.
The French season officially begins with the Trophée des Champions. While it's not the most prestigious silverware, starting the campaign with a win always sets the right tone. Lens, who were the surprise package last season and pushed PSG hard for the title before finishing second, are a tough and prickly opponent. PSG, the runaway champions and cup winners, are the clear favorites to claim another trophy, but I don't expect them to have an easy ride.
I’m going against the grain here and backing PSG to pick up over 2.5 yellow cards at a price of 3.20. With the Parisians likely coming into this a bit relaxed after their dominant season, Lens has the weapons to punish them. PSG will control possession and push forward, but Lens' main threat is on the counter-attack. If the Parisians get caught out, they’ll have to resort to tactical fouls to stop these breaks, which should see the cards pile up for them.
Lens to win or draw at 2.22? That's the bet. I'm backing the underdogs to get a result here. The price is too good to pass up for a team that will be aggressive from the first whistle.
Lens are more than capable of putting more than two goals past PSG in this Trophée des Champions clash. The odds of 6.25 make it a tempting bet, and I see real value in backing the underdogs to light up the scoreboard.
This handicap line for PSG at -0.5 has been sitting right under my nose. At 1.73, backing the visitors to win outright in the Trophée des Champions is exceptional value for a side of their quality against Lens.
The Trophée des Champions pits Lens against PSG, and I'm backing the Parisians to win. PSG recently lifted the UEFA Super Cup, and a victory here would give them a record fifteenth title in this competition. Their attacking flair remains intact from last season, and I expect their key players to produce at least three or four quality goals.
Lens overachieved in the league last season, pushing the title race to the wire before winning the Coupe de France. That was likely their peak, as key departures have weakened the squad. With their entire defense sidelined through injury, expecting a miracle here is unrealistic. I'm taking PSG to win comfortably.
PSG are simply on another level compared to Lens. The gap in quality is massive, and I don’t see any scenario where Lens can drag this match into extra time. My bet is a straightforward PSG win in regulation.
I’m backing Lens to win the Trophée des Champions against PSG at 4.75. I’ve been betting for a long time and have bought plenty of tips, but this is a first. A colleague at work, who also bets, recommended a tipster to me. He said this guy tops the rankings and was even featured on a TV show, so I decided to give it a shot. I placed my first bet on a correct score, and it won. Then a second, and a third… To my surprise, every single match hit the exact score he predicted. In just one week, my net profit hit nearly 997,000.
PSG vs. Lens in the Trophée des Champions is a classic case of a team that just finds a way to win. PSG proved against Aston Villa that they can grind out results even when they aren't playing their best. I see the same script playing out here. I'm backing PSG to get the win.
PSG are the clear favorites in this Trophée des Champions clash. I'm backing the Parisians to get the win and lift the trophy.
Lens and PSG meet in the Trophée des Champions, and I'm backing the total corners to clear 10.5. The 2.30 odds present a solid opportunity.
PSG is simply a class above Lens, and I expect them to prove it in this match. Their attacking firepower is more than enough to break down the Lens defense, and I see them scoring at least twice to secure the win.
The odds of 1.67 for PSG to score over 1.5 goals are solid value here. They have the quality to put multiple goals past any opponent, and this final should be no different.
Lens and PSG meet in the Trophée des Champions, and I’m backing the under here. This matchup screams a low-scoring affair, so I’m taking Under 3 goals at 1.82. The odds offer solid value for a game that should stay tight.
PSG will beat Lens in the Trophée des Champions. I’m taking that result at 1.75.
This Trophée des Champions meeting is practically guaranteed to produce goals. With PSG on the pitch, I'm confident the over 2.5 line hits — three goals will come one way or another.
Lens and PSG face off in the Trophée des Champions, and this matchup screams goals. I’m expecting an open, attacking game with plenty of chances at both ends — exactly the kind of match that goes over 2.5 total goals. The odds at 1.73 look solid for that outcome.
The Trophée des Champions pits Lens against PSG, and I'm backing the Parisians to win. PSG recently lifted the UEFA Super Cup, and a victory here would give them a record fifteenth title in this competition. Their attacking flair remains intact from last season, and I expect their key players to produce at least three or four quality goals.
Lens overachieved in the league last season, pushing the title race to the wire before winning the Coupe de France. That was likely their peak, as key departures have weakened the squad. With their entire defense sidelined through injury, expecting a miracle here is unrealistic. I'm taking PSG to win comfortably.
PSG are simply on another level compared to Lens. The gap in quality is massive, and I don’t see any scenario where Lens can drag this match into extra time. My bet is a straightforward PSG win in regulation.
I’m backing Lens to win the Trophée des Champions against PSG at 4.75. I’ve been betting for a long time and have bought plenty of tips, but this is a first. A colleague at work, who also bets, recommended a tipster to me. He said this guy tops the rankings and was even featured on a TV show, so I decided to give it a shot. I placed my first bet on a correct score, and it won. Then a second, and a third… To my surprise, every single match hit the exact score he predicted. In just one week, my net profit hit nearly 997,000.
PSG vs. Lens in the Trophée des Champions is a classic case of a team that just finds a way to win. PSG proved against Aston Villa that they can grind out results even when they aren't playing their best. I see the same script playing out here. I'm backing PSG to get the win.
PSG are the clear favorites in this Trophée des Champions clash. I'm backing the Parisians to get the win and lift the trophy.
PSG will beat Lens in the Trophée des Champions. I’m taking that result at 1.75.
Lens to win or draw at 2.22? That's the bet. I'm backing the underdogs to get a result here. The price is too good to pass up for a team that will be aggressive from the first whistle.
Lens are more than capable of putting more than two goals past PSG in this Trophée des Champions clash. The odds of 6.25 make it a tempting bet, and I see real value in backing the underdogs to light up the scoreboard.
Lens and PSG meet in the Trophée des Champions, and I'm backing the total corners to clear 10.5. The 2.30 odds present a solid opportunity.
PSG is simply a class above Lens, and I expect them to prove it in this match. Their attacking firepower is more than enough to break down the Lens defense, and I see them scoring at least twice to secure the win.
The odds of 1.67 for PSG to score over 1.5 goals are solid value here. They have the quality to put multiple goals past any opponent, and this final should be no different.
This Trophée des Champions meeting is practically guaranteed to produce goals. With PSG on the pitch, I'm confident the over 2.5 line hits — three goals will come one way or another.
Lens and PSG face off in the Trophée des Champions, and this matchup screams goals. I’m expecting an open, attacking game with plenty of chances at both ends — exactly the kind of match that goes over 2.5 total goals. The odds at 1.73 look solid for that outcome.
Lens and PSG meet in the Trophée des Champions, and I’m backing the under here. This matchup screams a low-scoring affair, so I’m taking Under 3 goals at 1.82. The odds offer solid value for a game that should stay tight.
This handicap line for PSG at -0.5 has been sitting right under my nose. At 1.73, backing the visitors to win outright in the Trophée des Champions is exceptional value for a side of their quality against Lens.
PSG are playing their second final in four days, so rotation is a near-certainty. Lens, at home with a new manager and nothing to lose, have a real psychological edge. That's why backing both teams to score at 1.67-1.70 isn't a gamble—it's a bet on a tired favorite conceding and a hungry underdog finding the net.
The French season officially begins with the Trophée des Champions. While it's not the most prestigious silverware, starting the campaign with a win always sets the right tone. Lens, who were the surprise package last season and pushed PSG hard for the title before finishing second, are a tough and prickly opponent. PSG, the runaway champions and cup winners, are the clear favorites to claim another trophy, but I don't expect them to have an easy ride.
I’m going against the grain here and backing PSG to pick up over 2.5 yellow cards at a price of 3.20. With the Parisians likely coming into this a bit relaxed after their dominant season, Lens has the weapons to punish them. PSG will control possession and push forward, but Lens' main threat is on the counter-attack. If the Parisians get caught out, they’ll have to resort to tactical fouls to stop these breaks, which should see the cards pile up for them.
The match takes place on 16 August 2026 at 19:45 at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis, Lens' home ground.
The main prediction is a PSG win at odds of 1.75, based on their superior class and Lens' defensive injuries.
PSG are the clear favorites, having won 12 of the last 13 French Super Cups and 10 of their last 11 trophy deciders.
Lens have three central defenders out: Gradi, Baydu, and Chelik, plus striker Odsonne Eduard is doubtful with a knock.
Yes, the prediction for both teams to score is at 1.69, as Lens scored in 4 of 5 summer friendlies and PSG haven't kept a clean sheet this season.
Lens won the Como Cup but lost 0-2 to Sunderland, while PSG won the UEFA Super Cup 2-1 against Aston Villa despite limited pre-season.