What to watch this weekend: 5 key storylines

Ligue 1 McDonald's returns following the conclusion of the first international break of the season, and a chance to see all the league's new players in action following the closing of the transfer window.

New-look Marseille face a plucky Lorient

To open up the weekend's action, Olympique de Marseille will be facing Lorient at the Vélodrome on Friday evening. Les Olympiens have invested heavily in the transfer market following two losses in their first three games and the departure of key man Adrien Rabiot. Not just one but four players are expected to make their debuts for OM on Friday evening.

Nayef Aguerd and Benjamin Pavard were both signed just before the closure of the transfer window and are expected to start in the centre of defence, whilst Facundo Medina, who is also yet to make his OM debut in the league, could start at left-back. Matt O’Riley, signed on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion on deadline day, could start in midfield. There is also the possibility of Emerson Palmieri starting the match on the bench.

Les Merlus travel to the Vélodrome looking to upset Roberto De Zerbi's men, with OM facing Real Madrid and then a Classique clash against PSG in just a week's time. Pantaloni's side have promised so far since their return to Ligue 1 McDonald's, winning convincingly during a Breton derby clash against Stade Rennais (4-0) before the international break.

Olympique de Marseille vs FC Lorient
Friday 12th Septmber, 20:45
Stade Vélodrome

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Luis Enrique expected on PSG bench against Lens despite bike accident

Luis Enrique's men are hoping to keep their positive start to the season intact as they welcome Racing Cub de Lens to the Parc des Princes on Sunday afternoon. Whilst Ousmane Dembélé looks out of action for PSG, Luis Enrique should be on the touchline after the Spaniard suffered a bike accident on September 5, which required surgery on his clavicle earlier this week. Despite the setback, the international break gave him time to recover, and he is now expected to lead his team for Sunday's clash.

Luis Enrique has received several messages of support in recent days, including from Spain boss Luis de la Fuente, who sent his encouragement ahead of La Roja’s 6-0 win over Turkey. PSG return from the break looking to maintain their unbeaten start to the Ligue 1 McDonald's season, with Lens set to provide their first major test at the Parc des Princes.

Paris Saint-Germain vs Racing Club de Lens
Sunday, 14th September 2025, 17:15
Parc des Princes, Paris

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Can Rennes bounce back against Lyon?

After the euphoria of beating Olympique de Marseille in the first game of the season, Stade Rennais have struggled to recapture that magic - dropping points in their last two games (the latest a heavy Breton Derby loss to FC Lorient just before the international break).

Can Lyon keep up the pace against PSG?

Despite the loss of some key players over the summer and even before deadline day Paulo Fonseca's Lyon were boosted with an Olimpico win over Marseille just before the international break - making it three out of three to stay level with PSG at the top of the Ligue 1 McDonald's table. Les Gones even had to deal with the departure of Georges Mikuatadze - but no worry when new signing Pavel Sulc managed to bundle home a winner for OL to keep them near the top of the table.

Stade Rennais vs Olympique Lyonnais
Sunday, 14th September 2025, 20:45
Roahzon Park, Rennes

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Can Strasbourg get revenge against Le Havre?

It was last season's final day surprise, as Le Havre staged an incredible 3-2 win over Strasbourg to seal their spot in Ligue 1 McDonald's for this season. It also denied Liam Rosenior's men a spot in the Europa League, meaning they had to fight through the qualification phases of the UEFA Conference League during the summer to qualify for European football. Whilst not a complete grudge match for Les Strasbourgois, it's an opportunity for RCSA to bounce back from their final minute loss to AS Monaco (3-2) just before the international break.

Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace vs Le Havre Athletic Club
Sunday 14th September, 17:15 CET
Stade de la Meineau, Strasbourg

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