The Matchday 32 clash in Ligue 1 between Lyon and Lens will take place on May 4 at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais. Lyon vs. Lens: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Lyon
In the last round, Lyon thrashed Rennes 4-1. With three rounds left in the championship, the team occupies the fifth spot, which grants a Europa League berth, trailing Monaco, who are in the Champions League zone, by just one point. It's also worth mentioning that Lyon leads its two closest pursuers only by additional metrics. In the upcoming match, the club has a good opportunity to strengthen its position in this race, as Lyon has been outstanding at home: the team has won its last four Ligue 1 home games.
- The club has not lost in 11 of its last 12 home matches in the championship (9 wins, 2 draws).
- Lyon has scored at least two goals in its last six home games in Ligue 1.
- The team has conceded in its last five home matches in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Lyon (4-5-1)
Lucas Perry – Nicolas Tagliafico, Clinton Mata, Moussa Niakate, Ainsley Maitland-Niles – Nemanja Matic, Corentin Tolisso, Thiago Almada, Malik Fofana, Rayan Cherki – Alexandre Lacazette.
Forward Alexandre Lacazette will not play due to suspension.
Lens
In the last round, the team was sensationally defeated by Auxerre at home (0-4), falling nine points behind the Conference League zone with three rounds left in the championship. Mathematically, the club still has chances to qualify for European competitions, but realistically, achieving this goal is almost impossible. Additionally, Lens extended its uncompromising streak in Ligue 1 to 16 matches, during which the club recorded 7 wins and 9 losses.
- In 5 of the team's last 7 games in Ligue 1, no more than two goals were scored.
- Lens has scored in 7 of its last 9 away matches in the championship.
- In 5 of its last 7 away games in Ligue 1, the club has not conceded more than one goal.
Predicted lineup for Lens (3-4-3)
Mathew Ryan – Djuma Ba, Malang Sarr, Jonathan Gradit – Deiver Machado, Ruben Aguilar, Adrien Thomasson, Neil El Aynaoui – Anass Zaroury, Goduine Koyalipou, Andy Diouf.
Forward Florian Sotoca will not play due to suspension.
Referee
Jeremy Stinat (France)
Matches – 16 (Ligue 1, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 64;
Average yellow cards per match – 4;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 38%.
Match Prediction: Lyon vs. Lens
Lyon is highly motivated to secure a Champions League spot as the season nears its end, and any slip-up could significantly reduce their chances of qualifying for Europe's premier club competition. Moreover, Paulo Fonseca's side has been delivering excellent results at home: the team has won 8 of its last 10 home matches in the championship, including the last four.
On the other hand, Lens is likely to experience a psychological slump after the devastating loss to Auxerre, which essentially ended their European ambitions. The head-to-head statistics are not in Lens' favor either: they have lost 7 of their last 9 Ligue 1 matches at Lyon's ground.
I believe that the highly motivated Lyon's winning trend will not be interrupted against an opponent that has lost its competitive motivation. My prediction: Lyon to win
