Lorient v PSG – Spotlight on Les Merlus: fears of relegation linger | OneFootball

This Wednesday, October 29, Paris Saint-Germain faces Lorient at the Stade du Moustoir (kick-off at 7:00 PM, broadcast on Ligue1+) during the 10th matchday of Ligue 1 2025-2026. And as before every match, here is the presentation of PSG’s opponent.

Lorient’s Situation –

“Used to” going back and forth between Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 for several years, Lorient has just returned to the top flight this season after being crowned Ligue 2 champions in the 2024-2025 campaign. A great achievement for Olivier Pantaloni, who took over as head coach in the summer of 2024.

The mission for this season is as clear as it is difficult: to stay up. This comes after a particularly quiet, perhaps wise, transfer window (while some clubs overhaul their entire squad upon promotion and later regret it). The start of the season has not been uninteresting, but there are some weaknesses that cast doubt for the future, with Lorient currently in 16th place. Everything is still very tight and they will likely have to fight hard for a long time.

The 2025 Summer Transfer Window –

Source: Transfermarkt.

Departures:

Arrivals:

Main Statistics –

This season, Lorient is among the 12th best attacks in Ligue 1 with 12 goals scored (the leader, Marseille, has 22, and the last, Angers and Metz, have 6), and has the 17th defense with 21 goals conceded (PSG and Lens have the best defense with 8 goals conceded, the last, Metz, has 26).

The top scorer for Lorient is Aiyegun Tosin (27-year-old forward), with 3 goals, ranking 14th in the league (the Ligue 1 top scorer is Joaquin Panichelli with 8 goals). Arsène Kouassi (21-year-old left back) is the club’s top assist provider, with 2 assists, ranking 30th in Ligue 1 (Adrien Thomasson is first with 5 assists).

Lorient’s Last 5 Matches –

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

09/21/2025 (Ligue 1) – Le Havre/Lorient: 1-1. In 3-4-2-1. 40% possession. 6 shots, 3 on target vs. 5 shots (1 on target).

09/27/2025 (Ligue 1) – Lorient/Monaco (down to 10 men in the 38th minute, 0-0) – 3-1. In 3-4-2-1. 46% possession. 16 shots, 7 on target vs. 4 shots (2 on target).

10/03/2025 (Ligue 1) – Paris FC/Lorient: 2-0. In 3-4-2-1. 42% possession. 7 shots, 3 on target vs. 9 shots (3 on target).

10/19/2025 (Ligue 1) – Lorient/Brest: 3-3. In 3-4-2-1. 51% possession. 9 shots, 7 on target vs. 5 shots (3 on target).

10/26/2025 (Ligue 1) – Angers/Lorient: 2-0. In 3-4-2-1. 64% possession. 13 shots, 3 on target vs. 7 shots (4 on target).

The Squad:

Absent: Faye, Fadiga, Sanusi, Katseris (injuries)

The probable lineup in 3-4-2-1 (or 5-2-3).

Bamba

Makengo – Karim

Kouassi – Abergel – Cadiou – Mvuka

Yongwa – Talbi – Meite

Mvogo

Lorient’s Style of Play.

Despite their status as a promoted side, Lorient hasn’t lost their desire to play and attack. Even if, quite logically, there are limits. They had to adapt a bit after the heavy defeat against Lille (1-7) at the start of the season. But it’s not just a low block either. However, we expect a very defensive approach against PSG, as competing in open play seems very difficult. Even though some teams surprise and try a more aggressive pressing. It would be a surprise to see Pantaloni choose this option.

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