The Matchday 1 clash in Ligue 1 between Lens and Lyon will take place on August 16 at the Bollaert-Delelis Stadium. Lens vs. Lyon: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Lens
The club finished on the brink of the European competition zone last season in the French championship, securing eighth place. Thus, Lens has shown relative stability in results, having finished seventh in Ligue 1 the previous year. It is noteworthy that the team's matches in the previous tournament were among the least productive, along with Reims' games, averaging 2.4 goals per game. Additionally, the club's defense was reliable last season in Ligue 1, conceding 39 goals, with only PSG (35) and Lille (36) conceding fewer. However, it is important to note that Lens performed poorly at home, ranking only 11th among the best home teams in the tournament, while they secured third place in away matches. During the summer, the club played seven friendly matches, remaining unbeaten in six of them (four wins, two draws).
Lens' main losses in the offseason include the departure of the club's top scorers from the previous championship – Nél El-Annawi and Mbala Nzola, as well as defender Facundo Medina. Notable additions include forward Florian Thauvin and defender Samson Baidoo. It is also important to mention that the club is now led by a new coach, Pierre Sage, who previously managed Lyon.
- The team's uncompromising home streak in Ligue 1 stands at 14 matches (six wins, eight losses).
- One opponent failed to score in Lens' last five home matches in the French championship.
- The club conceded in five of their previous six matches in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Lens (5-3-2)
Robin Risser – Samson Baidoo, Deiver Machado, Malang Sarr, Mathieu Udol, Ruben Aguilar – Morgan Guilavogui, Adrien Thomasson, Andy Diouf – Wesley Saïd, Ryan Fofana.
Defender Jonathan Gradit will not play due to suspension. Defender Joanner Chavez and midfielder Rémy Labeau-Lascary will miss the game due to injuries.
Lyon
Lyon miraculously retained their place in Ligue 1; due to economic machinations by the previous owner, the club was relegated to Ligue 2, but following a change in ownership and a successful appeal, they returned to the elite French division and the Europa League. Lyon secured a spot in the European competition based on the previous French championship, finishing sixth. The club finished sixth in Ligue 1 for the second consecutive season. Lyon was the fourth-highest scoring team in the previous championship, netting 65 times. Additionally, they performed worse away from home last season in Ligue 1, earning 22 points compared to 35 at home. In the offseason, Lyon played six friendly matches, winning four of them (one draw, one loss).
After the last season, the team's attacking leader, Alexandre Lacazette, left. Other departures include forward Rayan Cherki, goalkeeper Lucas Perry, midfielder Nemanja Matić, and defenders Jordan Veretout and Duje Ćaleta-Car. Significant reinforcements in the attacking line were not made, but new arrivals include midfielders Tyler Morton, Pavel Schulz, and defender Ruben Kluivert.
- The club failed to win in seven of their last ten away matches in the championship (one draw, six losses).
- Both teams scored in eight of Lyon's last ten away matches in Ligue 1.
- The team has not drawn in 15 consecutive matches in the elite French division (nine wins, six losses).
Predicted lineup for Lyon (5-3-2)
Rémy Descamps – Abner, Saël Kumbedi, Clinton Mata, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Moussa Niakhaté – Khalis Mera, Tyler Morton, Tanner Tessmann – Malik Fofana, Georges Mikautadze.
Forwards Enzo Molebe, Ernest Nuamah, and midfielder Orel Mangala are unavailable due to health issues. Midfielder Mamadou Diavara is not included in the squad for the game.
Referee
Romain Lissorgue (France)
Matches – 14 (Ligue 1, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 53;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.8;
Red cards shown – 6;
Average fouls per match – 28;
Penalties – 43%.
Match Prediction: Lens vs. Lyon
The hosts ended last season in Ligue 1 on a run of three matches without defeat (two wins, one draw), but even a successful finish did not allow them to secure a spot in the European competition zone, falling five points short of the seventh position. Interestingly, after the previous championship, Lens was taken over by former Lyon coach Pierre Sage, who was dismissed from his position at the end of January this year. This undoubtedly adds an extra layer of significance to the upcoming match. I am confident he will strive to defeat his former team, from which he was dismissed before the contract's end, and will properly motivate his new players.
Lyon has been struggling against Lens recently, failing to win in their last four head-to-head encounters in Ligue 1 (one draw, three losses). They have not defeated the upcoming opponent away in the championship since January 2015. Moreover, Lyon's offseason losses seem irreplaceable, with the departure of such significant and creative players expected to affect the club's results.
I believe the more motivated hosts will extend their successful streak in matches against Lyon. Additionally, Lyon rarely manages to secure victories away from home, failing to win in seven of their last ten away matches in the championship, suffering six defeats. Therefore, my prediction is "Lens to win or draw".
* Each team's lineup reflects their starting eleven from their previous match.
