PSG/Lorient – Meet the Merlus, survival well and truly secured | OneFootball

This Saturday, May 2, Paris Saint-Germain (1st) face Lorient (9th) at the Parc des Princes (kick-off at 5 p.m., broadcast on beIN SPORTS) on Matchday 32 of Ligue 1 2025-2026, as detailed in the 32nd round of Ligue 1 2025-2026. And as before every match, here is a presentation of the Parisians’ opponent.

Lorient’s situation –

Long “accustomed” to bouncing between Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 over the past several years, Lorient returned to the top flight this season after winning the Ligue 2 title in 2024-2025. A fine achievement for Olivier Pantaloni, who took over as head coach in the summer of 2024.

The mission for this season was as clear as it was difficult: stay up. This came after a particularly quiet transfer window, possibly a wise one (while some clubs overhaul the entire squad after promotion and regret it afterward).

The start of the season was fairly promising in terms of performances, even if results took time to come, but the Merlus enjoyed an excellent start to 2026 to pull clear of danger. The last few weeks have been a bit more inconsistent, and any potential dream of Europe has faded. Still, the main objective has been very nicely achieved with their current 9th place.

Summer 2025 transfer window –

Source: Transfermarkt.

Departures:

Arrivals:

Winter 2025/2026 transfer window –

Source: Transfermarkt.

Departures:

Arrivals:

None.

Main statistics –

This season, Lorient have the 10th-best attack in Ligue 1 with 42 goals scored (leaders PSG have 68, while bottom sides Angers and Nantes have 26), and are among the 12th-best defenses with 47 goals conceded (PSG have the best defense with 25 goals conceded, while bottom side Metz have 70).

Lorient’s top scorer is Bamba Dieng (a 26-year-old striker); with 9 goals, he is 13th in the league (Ligue 1’s top scorer is Esteban Lepaul with 18 goals). Arsène Kouassi (a 22-year-old left-back) is the club’s top assist provider, with 5 assists, ranking him 19th in Ligue 1 (Adrien Thomasson is first with 9 assists).

Lorient’s last 5 matches –

Only Lorient’s possession is listed, and Lorient’s shots are given first (when the data is available).

03/21/2026 (Ligue 1) – Toulouse/Lorient: 1-1. In a 3-4-2-1. 48% possession. 8 shots, including 2 on target, to 11 shots (4 on target).

04/05/2026 (Ligue 1) – Lorient/Paris FC : 1-1. In a 3-4-2-1. 49% possession. 10 shots, including 3 on target, to 5 shots (4 on target).

04/12/2026 (Ligue 1) – Lyon/Lorient: 2-0. In a 3-4-2-1. 47% possession. 10 shots, including 6 on target, to 6 shots (2 on target).

04/18/2026 (Ligue 1) – Lorient/OM: 2-0. In a 3-4-2-1. 42% possession. 9 shots, including 4 on target, to 14 shots (2 on target).

04/26/2026 (Ligue 1) – Lorient/Strasbourg: 2-3. In a 3-4-2-1. 42% possession. 12 shots, including 5 on target, to 10 shots (5 on target).

The squad –

Unavailable – Le Bris, Meïté (injury).

Probable lineup in a 3-4-2-1 (or 5-2-3).

Dieng

Pagis – Makengo

Kouassi – Abergel – Cadiou – Katseris

Silva – Talbi – Faye

Mvogo

Lorient’s style of play.

Despite their status as a promoted side, Lorient have not forgotten their desire to play and attack. Even if there are, quite logically, some limits. They also had to adapt at the start of the season, such as by looking less to dominate possession. But they are not just a low block either.

However, a very defensive approach is expected against PSG, against whom competing in open play looks extremely difficult. Even if some teams spring a surprise and instead try aggressive pressing. It would be a surprise to see Pantaloni choose that option.

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