Hakimi deserved a rest, but Ballon d'Or winner is here

Far from settling comfortably atop the Ligue 1 table, reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain travel to the Stade du Moustoir to face Lorient on Wednesday evening.

Luis Enrique’s side came off a convincing 3-0 victory over Brest on Saturday, extending their momentum following the 7-2 Champions League demolition of Bayer Leverkusen. Meanwhile, Lorient’s struggles continue, with their winless streak reaching three games after a 2-0 defeat at Angers.

Although PSG have traditionally held the summit in Ligue 1, the race this season is tight: no fewer than five clubs are within striking distance of the French and European champions, making their bid to retain the title far from straightforward. Their last outing against Brest saw them dominate, with Achraf Hakimi netting twice and Desire Doue adding a late goal to secure back-to-back wins.

Under Olivier Pantaloni, Lorient have endured a rollercoaster of results: a thrilling 3-3 draw with Brest, a 2-0 loss to Paris FC, and now a team sitting 16th in the table, just one point above the relegation playoff spot. While only Marseille (16) and Monaco (14) have scored more at home this season, Lorient’s defensive frailties are glaring — they’ve conceded 11 goals, including seven in a single defeat to Lille, making them Ligue 1’s weakest home side defensively.

Ballon d’Or that could come at a high price

PSG will be without Hakimi, rested after his standout performance against Brest, where he scored twice. His absence leaves Enrique with only one natural right-back in the squad, potentially forcing him to deploy Warren Zaire-Emery, normally a midfielder, in a defensive role as he has done previously.

Also, the appearance of Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele is expected.

On the injury front, Joao Neves (thigh) is nearing a return and looks likely to be available, while Fabian Ruiz (groin) remains in recovery and will not feature.

PSG face a challenging evening, but with their attacking prowess and squad depth, Enrique’s men remain favorites — even as the battle for the Ligue 1 title tightens.

FRANCE - LIGUE 1 MATCHDAY 10

Wednesday

21.00: (2.55) Le Havre (3.45) Brest (2.90)

21.00: (10.5) Lorient (6.50) PSG (1.25)

21.00: (6.25) Metz (4.50) Lens (1.55)

21.00: (3.35) Nice (3.50) Lille (2.25)

23.05: (4.65) Nantes (3.85) Monaco (1.80)

23.05: (1.25) Olympique Marseille (6.00) Angers (11.0)

23.05: (2.70) Paris (3.40) Olympique Lyon (2.75)

23.05: (1.75) Strasbourg (3.60) Auxerre (4.90)

23.05: (2.25) Toulouse (3.50) Rennes (3.40)

***odds are subject to change***