Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Luckster
In a showdown between two Ligue 1 newcomers, Paris FC will welcome Lorient to the Stade Jean-Bouin on Friday night.
Paris FC
Starting with the hosts, only making their Ligue 1 debut this season, it is no secret that Paris’ sole focus is on maintaining their top-flight status this time around. Despite getting the 2025/26 campaign underway with consecutive defeats, Stephane Gilli’s side have shown some signs of improvement on either side of September’s international break. Marking their return from the fortnight interval with a 2-1 victory away at Brest, the former Morocco coach has seen his squad suffer just a single loss from their previous five Ligue 1 appearances. However, last seen at the Stade Jean-Bouin getting hit with a rollercoaster 3-2 defeat at the hands of Strasbourg, Paris have shown some worrying issues at the back. In fact, shipping 13 goals in their first six Ligue 1 showdowns, they are also still waiting to claim a maiden top-flight clean sheet.
Paris FC Team News
Not featuring since returning from September’s international break, former Lorient striker Pierre-Yves Hamel remains on the sidelines with a hamstring injury. However, coming off the bench and bagging a late equaliser away at Nice last weekend, Jean-Philippe Krasso could be handed a full recall.
Completing a permeant switch from Porto over the summer, Brazilian defender Otavio will partner Mamadou Mbow at the back. Receiving plenty of early praise, former Sassuolo star Macime Lopez will play a leading role in the middle of the park.
Lorient
As for the visitors, storming their way to an immediate Ligue 1 return last season, Lorient find themselves in an almost identical position to Friday’s opponents. Despite heading into September’s international break with an infamous 7-1 drumming at home against Lille, Oliver Pantaloni’s men claimed a heavyweight scalp last time out. Skyrocketing their way out of the drop zone, Les Merlus secured a thumping 3-1 victory against Monaco and they will be desperate to use that performance as a platform to build on. However, hit with an action-packed 3-2 defeat when they last met Paris back on March 8th, Lorient have shown their own respective defensive issues. Marking their return from September’s fortnight interval with a 4-0 loss away at Marseille, Lorient have already shipped 14 top-flight goals and no team among Spain’s elite have conceded more strikes so far this season.
Lorient Team News
Both still dealing with respective ankle injuries, Lorient will once again be without the duo of Bandiougou Fadiga and Ghanian international Nathaniel Adjei here. Yet to feature after completing a season-long loan switch from Newcastle, Trevan Sanusi remains a major doubt this weekend.
Coming off the bench and bagging a dramatic late brace against Monaco last weekend, 22-year-old Pablo Pagis should be handed a full recall. One-time Marseille youngster Laurent Abergel will partner Cameroon international Arthur Avom in the middle of the park.
Key Factors to Consider
- When Paris FC and Lorient last met back on March 8th, Friday’s hosts collected an action-packed 3-2 victory in the capital.
- Both the two Ligue 1 debutants have registered seven points from their opening six appearances respectively.
- Shipping 14 Ligue 1 goals so far this season, no team among France’s elite have conceded more strikes than Lorient.
- Paris’ first two Ligue 1 showdowns at the Stade Jean-Bouin have produced 10 goals at both ends of the pitch.
- Five of the last six meetings between Paris FC and Lorient have finished with over 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
Watching Paris FC secure a pulsating 3-2 victory when they last welcomed Lorient to the French capital back on March 8th, neutrals could be treated to another enjoying Ligue 1 showdown here. In a battle between two top-flight newcomers, Friday’s opponents have gained a reputation for their lively outcomes. Two camps who have shown their own respective defensive struggles, chances could fall at both ends of the Stade Jean-Bouin pitch this weekend.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Luckster
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