Preview: Lille vs. Paris Saint-Germain - prediction, team news, lineups

Les Parisiens have kicked off their title defence with resounding wins over Clermont and Montpellier, while their opponents are also unbeaten with four points on the board.

Match preview

After winning the Ligue 1 title in the 2020-21 season, Lille experienced a much tougher campaign last time around following Christophe Galtier's departure, eventually finishing 10th in France's top flight.

Having appointed Paulo Fonseca as their new boss over the summer, Les Dogues headed into the new term with optimism, and they began on the front foot with a dominant victory over newly-promoted Auxerre.

Benjamin Andre and Jonathan David had them 2-0 up inside four minutes, and David would net a second before Akim Zedadka stretched their lead to four, with Gaetan Charbonnier's consolation goal for the visitors being the only blemish on an impressive day at the office.

They then travelled to Nantes last time out, and, after Moses Simon gave their hosts a lead, Les Dogues were only able to leave with a point thanks to Ismaily's second-half equaliser.

Now hoping to extend their unbeaten start to the season, Lille face a particularly difficult task, as they host the side who regained the title off them last season, led by the manager who guided them to the surprise triumph in 2021.

After leaving Lille and spending a year with Nice, Christophe Galtier has found a new home in the French capital, and Les Parisiens have quickly taken to his leadership, firstly thrashing Nantes 4-0 in the Trophee des Champions final as Neymar hit a brace alongside goals from Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos.

They then kicked off the league campaign with a trip to Clermont and dished out a 5-0 beating, with Neymar again on the scoresheet before Achraf Hakimi and Marquinhos took the lead to three goals and Messi capped off the performance with a second-half double.

Galtier's men now head into Sunday's trip on the back of another rampant display, as they thrashed Montpellier 5-2 last weekend, with Neymar again starring with a brace after they went ahead through a Falaye Sacko own goal, before Kylian Mbappe and Renato Sanches stretched their lead.

Such results mean the defending champions have already netted 14 goals in three competitive games under their new boss, after the board made the decision to dismiss Mauricio Pochettino over the summer with further Ligue 1 dominance and the hopes of a Champions League title in mind.

In their bid for a ninth league title in 11 years, Paris Saint-Germain will go in search of a third straight top-flight win on Sunday to keep their lead at the summit of the division and dish out a blow to one of the sides expected to be in the chasing pack.

Lille Ligue 1 form:

Paris Saint-Germain Ligue 1 form:

Team News

Lille are without Tiago Djalo on Sunday due to a suspension, while Timothy Weah remains sidelined with an injury issue.

Mohamed Bayo should again lead the line, with Jonathan David remaining another star in attack, having scored two goals from the wing in their opening-day win.

In a 4-2-3-1 setup, Angel Gomes and Benjamin Andre should again play in the engine room, with Jose Fonte continuing to command the back line at the age of 38 years old.

Galtier has a star-studded PSG squad to pick from, even without the likes of Mauro Icardi, Julian Draxler and Ander Herrera, with the new boss's preferred 3-4-1-2 system again set to be in operation.

Sergio Ramos, Presnel Kimpembe and Marquinhos will line up across the defence, while Renato Sanches will hope to come in from the outset against the side he left in the summer, having come off the bench to score last time out.

Neymar will again play up front with plenty of confidence, having netted five goals in three competitive appearances thus far, with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe also set to play in a menacing attacking unit.

Lille possible starting lineup:

Leonardo; Zedadka, Fonte, Alexsandro, Gudmundsson; Andre, Gomes; David, Cabella, Bamba; Bayo

Paris Saint-Germain possible starting lineup:

Donnarumma; Ramos, Marquinhos, Kimpembe; Hakimi, Verratti, Sanches, Mendes; Messi; Neymar, Mbappe

We say: Lille 1-3 Paris Saint-Germain

Paris Saint-Germain already look rejuvenated under Galtier, who appears to be unlocking all of their stars, and, although they face their toughest test yet, we still predict a victory for Les Parisiens.

Previews by email