5 unexpected teams that might play in the top European leagues next season

#4 Paris FC

Goalkeeper Didier Ovono is one of only a few Paris FC players who have previous Ligue 1 experience

The smaller side of Paris have already played in the top flight, but it was a long time ago. Their final season there was in 1979/80.

Much like Cittadella, FC Paris are also a young club. The current incarnation of the club was formed in 1972. There are actually very close ties with PSG as they were once the same club, but ended up splitting. FC Paris was even the bigger side in the city as they were allowed to keep the Ligue 1 place to themselves after the split, while PSG were relegated. Oh, how things have changed now.

While PSG seemingly have an endless flow of money running into the club as they chase their Champions League dream, FC Paris was playing in the third tier just last season. They ended up getting promoted thanks to goal difference after a tie between three clubs.

After a recent rule change, only two Ligue 2 clubs now get automatic promotion to the top flight with the 3rd place club playing the promotion/relegation playoffs against the 18th place finisher in Ligue 1. That makes it a bit tougher to climb all the way up to the top, but FC Paris have every chance to do so this season.

Fabien Mercadal's team is currently 4th with nearly a half of the season already played. They have 30 points after 17 matches, one less than Le Havre, who finish off the Top 3. Nobody has yet lost fewer games than them so far (3) and they own one of the best defensive records in the league with 14 goals conceded. Two of their defeats actually came in the first three games, so they have found some very nice form before the Christmas break, which is coming up soon.