Paris Saint-Germain vs Paris FC Tips
Paris Saint-Germain capped a golden year with success in the Fifa Intercontinental Cup final prior to France's winter break, but Luis Enrique's men have plenty of work to do on the domestic front as they prepare for a capital derby with Paris FC.
PSG entered the weekend trailing shock leaders Lens by a point in the Ligue 1 standings and, while it would come as a massive surprise if they fail to overhaul them over the remaining 18 matches, the title race is perhaps more competitive than Enrique would've liked at this stage.
While PSG will be battling it out for the title once again, Paris FC sit five points clear of the relegation zone and will be eager not to become embroiled in a survival scrap in their first top-flight season for 46 years.
This capital derby - the first since 1990 - kicks off at 7.45pm GMT on Sunday night and will be a momentous occasion for Paris FC in particular, but they could find a trip to the Parc des Princes a chastening experience.
Team news
Achraf Hakimi is the most high-profile absentee for PSG as he continues to compete for Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations, while Lee Kang-in and Matvey Sofanov both sustained injuries in the Fifa Intercontinental Cup win over Flamengo. Quentin Ndjantou is also absent with a hamstring injury.
Paris FC have a number of absentees at AFCON with Jean-Philippe Krasso, Moses Simon, Samir Chergui, Ilan Kebbal and Hamari Traore all unavailable. Midfielder Pierre Lees-Melou suffered a leg injury in November and his participation is in doubt.
Tip 1 – PSG to Win to Nil @ 19/20
PSG will be eager to lay down an immediate marker in their first Ligue 1 match of 2026, and that spells trouble for Paris FC, who will be forced to field a weakened team with so many players at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The hosts have been far from perfect in Ligue 1 this season, dropping points on five occasions, but the Parc des Princes remains a happy hunting ground, and they've won six of their seven league games at home, scoring 17 goals and shipping just three.
Paris FC went into the winter break winless in five Ligue 1 games, but Stephane Gilli's men have bloodied a few noses following their top flight return, coming from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 with Lyon in October, then beating Monaco 1-0 at Stade Louis II the following month.
They've found the net in all but one away game, but the absence of six-goal midfielder Kebbal and Krasso will be keenly felt in the attacking areas.
Tip 2 – Desire Doue Anytime Goal Scorer @ 29/20
It's been quite a few weeks for Ousmane Dembele, who won the Ballon d'Or then had his face beamed on the Arc de Triomphe as part of Paris's New Year celebrations, but he's far from his team's only goal threat.
While it's hard to second guess Enrique's team selection, he might be keen to get some more minutes into the legs of Desire Doue, who made his first start since October in the win over Flamengo.
The forward struck from the bench in PSG's final Ligue 1 game of 2025 - a 3-2 win over Metz - and he looks as likely as anyone to score if he's involved from the start.
Tip 3 – Paris Saint-Germain 5-0 Correct Score @ 10/1
Given the star quality on display at the Parc des Princes, it could be worth taking a punt on a dominant win for the European champions, with a 5-0 home win nominated as the best option.
PSG have played 10 matches at home this season, scoring 27 goals, 10 of which came in their last two fixtures - a 5-3 Champions League win over Tottenham and a 5-0 Ligue 1 demolition of Rennes.
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to change
