Pogba's debut postponed again, the Pocongioli era has started well for AS Monaco

Paris Saint-Germain may be stumbling early in Ligue 1, but even when they slip, their rivals fail to take advantage. Marseille waste chances, others fade away, and it would still take a miracle for Luis Enrique's side not to win the title.

Still, down on the Riviera, there’s a quiet sense of optimism. Monaco, who returned to the Champions League under Adi Hutter last season, have reacted well to a shaky start and a sudden change on the bench. The Austrian resigned after a poor run, and into the hot seat stepped young Belgian sensation Sebastien Pocognoli - the man who stunned everyone in Belgium by leading Union Saint-Gilloise to the title.

Pocognoli has lost just once since taking over - a narrow 0-1 defeat to newly promoted Paris FC - and signs of revival are everywhere. The Champions League win in freezing Bodo (1-0), sealed by Folarin Balogun's strike, suggested that better days lie ahead for the Principality.

With three wins in four games under their new coach, Monaco now prepare for a crucial test against high-flying Lens tonight (11.05 pm), in the closing match of the Ligue 1 Saturday program. Lens are in superb form - four wins in their last five - and sit just two points behind leaders PSG.

Pogba starts training with Monaco, but we'll have to wait for his Ligue 1 debut

Unlike Ansu Fati, who has impressed since arriving in the summer, Paul Pogba's much-anticipated debut in red and white has again been delayed. The French midfielder, returning from suspension and injuries, was due to make the squad against PSG but suffered an ankle setback.

"Pogba against Lens? No, he won't play. The plan is for him to return after the international break," confirmed Pocognoli.

The Belgian will also be without Kamara and Diatta (both Senegalese), Finnish goalkeeper Hradecky, and Mavissa. Eric Dier and Denis Zakaria are nursing knocks but should start in Monte Carlo.

Lens have proven to be a difficult guest in the Principality. They drew 1-1 there last season and crushed Monaco 4-0 at home. In fact, the visitors have won three of their last five trips to Stade Louis II - a warning the new Monaco boss will surely take seriously.

LIGUE 1 - MATCHDAY 12

Friday

Paris - Rennes 0-1 (0-0)

/Embolo 81/

Saturday

19.00: (1.47) Olympique Marseille (4.30) Brest (7.00)

21.00: (1.95) Le Havre (3.50) Nantes (4.40)

23.05: (2.10) Monaco (3.60) Lens (3.60)

Sunday

17.00: (3.15) Lorient (3.35) Toulouse (2.45)

19.15: (2.55) Angers (3.10) Auxerre (2.95)

19.15: (3.60) Metz (3.50) Nice (2.15)

19.15: (2.85) Strasbourg (3.50) Lille (2.55)

22.45: (4.05) Olympique Lyon (3.90) PSG (1.90)

***odds are subject to change***