Lens/PSG – Opponent profile: Toppmöller must keep RC Lens up | OneFootball

This Sunday, August 16, Paris Saint-Germain take on Lens at Stade Bollaert (kick-off at 8:45 p.m., live on Ligue1+) in the 2026 Trophée des Champions. And as before every match, here is a presentation of the Parisians’ opponent.

Lens’ situation –

Lens have gone through several emotions and shifts in momentum in recent years. A number of coaches have come and gone, and that continues this season. Pierre Sage, who made a name for himself at Lyon, wrapped up a superb year with attractive football and results that allowed the club to challenge PSG for the Ligue 1 title and win the Coupe de France. But that drew interest from Crystal Palace, and the coach chose to leave despite Lens having the Champions League to play. Dino Toppmöller, who made his name in the Bundesliga and especially at Eintracht Frankfurt, takes over with the difficult task of maintaining the quality shown last season. The team must perform well in Europe while also managing another strong league finish. It could be a complicated year to handle, especially with a few changes in the squad as well.

The 2026 summer transfer window –

Source: Transfermarkt.Departures:Arrivals:

Main statistics –

Last season, Lens had the 2nd-best attack in Ligue 1 with 66 goals scored (first-place PSG had 74, while bottom sides Angers and Nantes had 29), and the 2nd-best defense with 35 goals conceded (PSG had the best defense with 29 conceded, while bottom side Metz had 76). Lens’ top scorer was Odsonne Edouard (28-year-old striker); with 12 goals, he ranked 5th in the league (Ligue 1’s top scorer was Esteban Lepaul with 21 goals). Adrien Thomasson (32-year-old midfielder) was the club’s top assist provider with 10 assists, ranking 1st in Ligue 1. Mathieu Udol (30-year-old left-back) was 2nd in Ligue 1 with 7 assists.

Lens’ last 5 matches –

Only Lens’ possession is listed, and Lens’ shots are given first (when the data is available). 07/18/2026 (friendly) – Lens/Boulogne: 4-1. In a 3-4-2-1. 07/25/2026 (friendly) – Lens/Charleroi: 2-2. In a 3-4-2-1. 07/28/2026 (friendly) – Crystal Palace/Lens: 0-3. In a 3-4-2-1. 65% possession. 8 shots to 3 shots. 07/28/2026 (friendly) – Lens/Famalicão: (0-0, then 7-8 on penalties). In a 3-4-2-1 with logical rotation 08/01/2027 (friendly) – Lens/Villarreal: 3-1. In a 3-4-2-1.

The squad –

Unavailable – Celik Chavez, Gradit (injury) T. Hazard (suspension).

Probable lineup in a 3-4-3:

Sima – Edouard – Thauvin

Udol – Cuisance – Bulatovic – Abdulhamid

Nawrocki – Ganiou – Antonio

Risser

Lens’ style of play.

It is becoming something of a “tradition” over the last several years: Lens play a very attacking style and very often use a back three. The idea is to press, if possible to hurt the opponent quickly, but otherwise to keep control and wear the other side down. It is an energetic style that is difficult to counter, but it can also sometimes leave a few gaps and therefore create opportunities. Toppmöller has stuck with that approach. It is probably even because he shares that philosophy that Lens hired him. PSG know it well: they will have to be up to speed right away for this away trip, which promises to be intense, with a trophy at stake even if it is not the most memorable one of the season.    

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.