The Trophee des Champions showdown between PSG and Olympique de Marseille is set to take place in Kuwait on Thursday.
This clash, also known as Le Classique, offers both sides the chance to claim the first silverware of the calendar year.
PSG vs Marseille – Match preview and team news
- Date: Thursday, 8th January.
- Kick-off: 6pm BST.
- Venue: Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, Ardhiyah.
PSG team news
Luis Enrique’s side enters the final with some key absentees but renewed confidence after their recent victory.
Achraf Hakimi is unavailable as he is representing Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations, a significant blow to PSG’s right flank.
In goal, Matvey Safonov remains sidelined with a broken hand, while midfielder Lee Kang-in is questionable due to a thigh injury sustained earlier in the month.
However, there is positive news for the Parisians as first-choice goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier returned to action in the 2-1 win over Paris FC last weekend. Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué, both of whom found the net in that derby victory, are expected to feature prominently.
Marseille team news
Marseille travels to Kuwait looking to bounce back from a disappointing start to 2026. Manager Roberto De Zerbi faces a selection headache in defence, with Nayef Aguerd away on international duty with Morocco for AFCON.
Leonardo Balerdi missed the recent defeat to Nantes due to illness but is now declared fit to be included in the squad against PSG and might start the match as well.
Ruben Blanco is also unlikely to feature due to a sore knee. In the absence of key defenders, De Zerbi is expected to rely on Facundo Medina and Conrad Egan-Riley, who stepped in during the last outing. On a brighter note, Amine Gouiri has returned to the squad after a lengthy injury layoff and could provide an attacking spark off the bench.
Form
PSG
PSG has started the year on a positive note and remains unbeaten in its last six matches across all competitions. The reigning Ligue 1 champions kicked off 2026 with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over local rivals Paris FC, a result that maintained their momentum. Domestically, they are sitting in second position in the league table with 39 points from 17 matches, just one point behind Lens. PSG will be looking to secure their 14th Trophee des Champions title.
Marseille
Marseille’s form has been inconsistent. After closing out 2025 with three consecutive victories in all competitions where they scored a combined 10 goals, they stumbled in their first match of the new year, falling to a 2-0 defeat against Nantes. That loss left them eight points behind the league leaders Lens, making this cup final a crucial opportunity to restore morale.
Predicted lineups
PSG: Chevalier; Zaire-Emery, Marquinhos, Pacho, Hernandez; Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz; Ramos, Dembele, Barcola.
Marseille: Rulli; Pavard, Balerdi, Aguerd; Weah, O’Riley, Nadir, Palmieri; Greenwood, Paixao; Aubameyang.
How to watch PSG vs Marseille?
UK supporters can stream the match via Ligue 1+, the official Ligue 1 direct-to-consumer platform.
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