Lens-PSG, the likely lineups

Lens-Paris Saint Germain, a match valid for the 18th day of Ligue 1, will be played on Saturday at 5 p.m. The match represents an intriguing confrontation between two teams with different objectives: on the one hand, PSG, determined to consolidate its supremacy, on the other hand, Lens, committed to climbing up positions in the standings.

PSG, which has just picked up Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from Napoli, comes to this challenge fresh from a more complicated-than-expected passage to the French Cup round against Espaly, a National 5 team (comparable to our Excellence). Despite the difficulties and the two goals conceded, the Luis Enrique-led lineup still got the win and now turns its attention to the league. The Parisians start as favorites, but recent defensive shortcomings could provide Lens with opportunities to strike.

Lens, on the other hand, is going through a season characterized by ups and downs. However, the team has shown good offensive potential and could put PSG’s rearguard in trouble, forcing Donnarumma to intervene more than once.

Probable lineups

LENS (4-2-3-1): Koffi; Frankowski, Danso, Medina, Machado; Thomasson, Diouf; Sotoca, Fulgini, Zaroury; Koyalipou. Coach: Still

.

PSG (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Hakimi, Beraldo, Hernandez, Mendes; Lee, Fabian Ruiz, Mayulu; Dembele, Ramos, Barcola. Coach: Luis Enrique

Girona-Sevilla, the probable formations

Saturday, at 2 p.m., La Liga fixture: Girona faces a Sevilla in full crisis, in desperate need of points. The Catalan team, which last year stunned with a surprising third place in the standings, aims to finish this league in the top areas as well.

To do so, it will be very useful to score their third consecutive success after the 1-0 late victory against Alaves and the convincing 3-0 win against Valladolid. The opportunity is favorable for Blind and his teammates, who among other things could take advantage of the direct clash between Villarreal and Mallorca, currently fifth and sixth in the standings with 30 points, just two more than Michel’s Girona.

The guests are far from the team that dominated the Europa League until two years ago. Now, they struggle to avoid slipping into the relegation zone, after a two-season decline, as evidenced by last year’s disappointing 14th place.

Probable lineups

GIRONA (4-3-2-1): Gazzaniga; A. Martinez, D. Lopez, Krejci, Blind; Martin, Van de Beek, Herrera; Gil, Danjuma; Ruiz. Coach: Michel.

SWIFT (4-2-3-1): Nyland; Juanlu, Bade, Gudelj, Pedrosa; Agoume, Lokonga; Lukebakio, Sow, Saul; Romero. Coach: Garcia Pimienta.

West Ham-Crystal Palace, the probable formations

Saturday, January 18, at 4 p.m., is also the West Ham-Crystal Palace match, valid for the 22nd day of the Premier League. It is a confrontation between two teams coming from significant victories: West Ham overcame Fulham with a thrilling 3-2, redeeming themselves after heavy defeats against Manchester City and Liverpool.

The hosts sit on 26 points in the standings, ten points clear of the relegation zone. Crystal Palace, on the other hand, has accumulated 24 points so far, experiencing momentum in the fight for salvation: the team has scored eight points in its last four games.

Crucially, the recent 2-0 away success achieved by Glasner’s men against Leicester, second-last in the standings and in free fall, accrued thanks to goals from Mateta and Guehi.

Probable lineups

WEST HAM (4-2-3-1): Fabianski; Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Kilman, Emerson Palmieri; Alvarez, Rodriguez; Kudus, Soucek, Soler; Paqueta. Coach: Potter.

CRYSTAL PALACE (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Guehi; Munoz, Kamada, Doucouré, Mitchell; I. Sarr, Eze; Mateta. Coach: Glasner.