PSG v Lyon: Paris face attacking reshuffle in Ligue 1 showdown

Published on: 23 October 2026

Paris Saint-Germain will entertain Lyon in a highly anticipated Ligue 1 meeting on Monday, 26 October 2026, with kick-off at 18:30 GMT. The fixture is part of the eighth round of the French championship, and both sides have named significantly different tactical challenges in their expected line-ups.

PSG

PSG are expected to make changes in attack because Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are both unavailable. Their absences leave the Parisian coaching staff with a difficult selection decision and could result in a completely reworked forward line at the Parc des Princes.

The likely PSG starting XI is:

Goalkeeper: Safonov

Defenders: Hakimi, Zabarnyi, Pacho, Digne

Midfielders: Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Ruiz

Forwards: Akliouche, Torres, Desire Doue

The proposed formation places three players in midfield behind a front three of Akliouche, Torres and Desire Doue as PSG look to maintain their attacking threat despite the unavailability of two key forwards.

Lyon

Paulo Fonseca is expected to remain faithful to Lyon’s established 4-3-3 system. The shape has been central to the team’s approach since the start of the season, with a three-man midfield designed to help secure possession and wide forwards positioned high to stretch the opposition defence.

That structure has also allowed Lyon to draw on a broad range of attacking contributors. The club have already had 10 different goalscorers this season.

The likely Lyon starting XI is:

Goalkeeper: Greif

Defenders: Athekame, Bacher, Moussa Niakhate, Abner

Midfielders: Bidstrup, Tessmann, Kail Boudache

Forwards: Tolisso, Ernest Nuamah, Sulc

Lyon will soon travel to face PSG in their eighth league match of the campaign, with Fonseca set to rely on the system that has defined the side’s performances so far.

Match odds

The published odds from 1xbet make PSG clear favourites for the contest. A PSG victory is priced at 1.40, while Lyon are listed at 5.70. The odds for a draw are 5.00.

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