Ahead of this Coupe de France Round of 32 clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Vendée Fontenay Foot (kick-off 9:00 PM), the French press agrees only partially on the expected lineups, with several uncertainties — particularly in midfield and attack for PSG.
Just three days after lifting the Intercontinental Cup in Qatar, PSG begin their 2025–26 Coupe de France campaign with a trip to Nantes, where the match will be played at La Beaujoire. The European champions will be without a significant number of players, including Safonov, Hakimi, Pacho, Lee Kang-in, Mbaye, and Barcola.
PSG: Several Question Marks Remain
In goal, uncertainty remains between Lucas Chevalier, favored by L’Équipe, and Renato Marin, whom Le Parisienbelieves could start. There is no consensus, and both options remain open.
Defensively, however, both newspapers agree: Boly, Zabarnyi, Beraldo, and Lucas Hernandez are expected to start from right to left.
In midfield, only one name appears certain — Senny Mayulu, who should feature as one of the central midfielders.
- L’Équipe projects Fabián Ruiz as the holding midfielder, flanked by Mayulu and Désiré Doué.
- Le Parisien instead predicts Warren Zaïre-Emery in the holding role, with Mayulu and Quentin Ndjantou ahead of him.
The attacking line is also debated.
- L’Équipe expects Ousmane Dembélé, Gonçalo Ramos, and Désiré Doué, with Dembélé even tipped to wear the captain’s armband.
- Le Parisien keeps Dembélé and Ramos, but replaces Doué on the left with Ndjantou.
Predicted PSG Lineups
According to L’Équipe
Chevalier – Boly, Zabarnyi, Beraldo, Hernandez – Mayulu, Ruiz, Ndjantou – Dembélé, Ramos, Doué
According to Le Parisien
Marin or Chevalier – Boly, Zabarnyi, Beraldo, Hernandez – Mayulu, Zaïre-Emery, Doué – Dembélé, Ramos, Ndjantou
Fontenay Expected to Line Up in a 5-4-1
On the Fontenay side, the press expects a familiar 5-4-1 formation, similar to previous rounds. The only uncertainty concerns the lone striker, with Diawara or E. Renou both possible options.
Predicted Fontenay lineup:
N. Renou – Vinet, Moisdon, Brémond, Leriche, Fromaget – Keita, Belbachir (capt.), Bisleau, Millimono – Diawara or E. Renou
Coupe de France – Round of 32
Local Time (France): Wednesday, December 17 — 21:00 CET
US Eastern Time: 3:00 PM ET
US Pacific Time: 12:00 PM PT
• US Broadcast: FOX Sports 2 (FS2) / FOX One / FoxSports.com / FOX Sports App / fuboTV