Preview: Lorient vs Paris FC - prediction, team news, lineups

[(FC Lorient) Strength]:
1. Lorient, playing at home this time, are determined to defeat Paris FC, who are ranked lower in the league, to advance to the next round and strive for their second Coupe de France title in history.
2. Bamba Dieng has been in excellent form recently, scoring 8 goals in the last 6 matches, averaging nearly 1.5 goals per game.
3. Lorient currently sit 9th in Ligue 1 with 28 points, having scored 27 goals and conceded 31. Their league performance is better compared to the away team.
4. Lorient have remained unbeaten in their last 11 matches, with 7 wins and 4 draws. The team have been in excellent form recently, even achieving a 4-match winning streak.
5. Lorient have lost only 1 of their 10 home matches since the start of the season, and they have scored in every home game.

[(FC Lorient) Weakness]:
1. African forward Aiyegun Tosin has scored 3 goals this season but has been sidelined due to injuries since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations. He will continue to be absent for this match.

[(Paris FC) Strength]:
1. Paris FC have yet to win the Coupe de France in their history. Having already defeated their biggest rivals, Paris Saint-Germain, in the previous round, they are determined to go even further by winning this match.
2. Jonathan Ikone scored the winning goal for the team in the Coupe de France match against Paris Saint-Germain and also scored a goal in the recent match against Marseille, showcasing his outstanding recent form.
3. Ilan Kebbal has delivered an impressive performance this season with 8 goals and 5 assists, including 2 goals and 1 assist in his last 4 matches.
4. Paris FC have remained unbeaten in their last 4 matches, with 2 wins and 2 draws. They have scored 5 goals and conceded 3 during this period, including victories over the league leaders and a draw with the third-placed team, demonstrating their solid recent form.
5. Paris FC are currently 14th in Ligue 1 with 21 points, 7 points clear of the relegation zone, meaning they face relatively little pressure to avoid relegation.
6. In the last two encounters between the two teams, Paris FC have won both matches, giving them a psychological advantage.

[Tips]:
Both teams have been in excellent form recently, maintaining unbeaten records in their latest matches. Although Paris FC pulled off an upset by defeating Paris Saint-Germain in the Coupe de France and even drew with Marseille, who are third in the league, in their last match, judging from the overall season performance and stability, the home team Lorient are undoubtedly the more outstanding side. Moreover, this match is being played at Lorient's home ground, where they excel. Although Paris FC have defeated Lorient in their last two encounters, those matches were played at Paris' home ground. This time, Lorient are more likely to secure a narrow victory at home.

[Recommended]:
FC Lorient (-0/0.5)