News Focus
- RC Lens seek maiden Coupe de France triumph against troubled OGC Nice
- Samson Baidoo misses out through injury; teenager Kyllian Antonio poised to deputise
- Adrien Thomasson features in final appearance before summer move to Stade Rennais
- Former Crystal Palace forward Odsonne Édouard leads the attack for the Artois club
RC Lens battle OGC Nice for the Coupe de France crown this evening. The final takes place at the iconic Stade de France in Paris. Lens have never lifted this trophy in their long history. Tonight offers a golden chance to end that wait.
The northern French club enjoyed a superb campaign. They finished second in Ligue 1 behind Paris Saint-Germain. This result secured a return to the Champions League next season. Manager Pierre Sage now aims to complete a memorable double.
Nice arrive at the final in complete contrast. The Riviera club faces a relegation play-off against Saint-Étienne next week. Their form makes Lens clear favourites for the silverware.
Sage welcomes a nearly full-strength squad. However, Austrian centre-back Samson Baidoo misses out. He picked up an injury during the recent victory over Lyon. Eighteen-year-old Kyllian Antonio looks set to replace him in defence. Nidal Celik provides another option.
In midfield, Mamadou Sangaré partners Adrien Thomasson. This marks Thomasson’s farewell appearance for the club. The midfielder joins Stade Rennais on a free transfer this summer.
Up front, France international Florian Thauvin starts. He links with Wesley Saïd and former Crystal Palace striker Odsonne Édouard.
The probable starting eleven features Robin Risser in goal. A back three of Malang Sarr, Ismaelo Ganiou and Kyllian Antonio protects him. Matthieu Udol and Saud Abdulhamid operate as wing-backs. The midfield pair comprises Adrien Thomasson and Mamadou Sangaré. In attack, Wesley Saïd joins Odsonne Édouard and Florian Thauvin.