* Betting odds were correct at the time of publication but are subject to change.
Lille vs Lens Top Betting Picks
Lens has been one of many surprising packages this Ligue 1 season, another challenge awaits as Lille is looking to bolster their chances after a below-average start to the campaign.
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Over 2.5 Goals
Lille's defense has been their biggest weakness this season. It's quite extraordinary that they are still in the top eight of Ligue 1 despite having a negative goal-scoring difference of 17-18. In their nine games thus far, Lille has gone over 2.5 goals in eight matches. Lens, on the other hand, has four games over, but the last 4 went under the 2.5 goals mark. Their h2h record speaks on its own, three of their last five games went over 2.5 goals. However, the way Lille is defending this season, it would be a surprise if this game ends in a lower-scoring total.
Draw
Lens has been steady in their defense contrary to Lille. The visitors allowed eleven goals less than their opponents, and are vying to keep their steady streak going with another good performance. Lens had drawn three out of their four away matches keeping their host's attackers at bay. Two of those games ended in a goalless draw, while the game at Nantes finished 1-1. Lille's home record is below their true worth, they suffered a heavy defeat to PSG (7-1), and they also lost to Nice while beating Auxerre and Toulouse, respectively.
Important information about Lille vs Lens
Head to Head
16/04/22
France Ligue 1 LI1
Lille
Lens
1
2
04/01/22
France Cup France
Lens
Lille
2
2
18/09/21
France Ligue 1 LI1
Lens
Lille
1
0
07/05/21
France Ligue 1 LI1
Lens
Lille
0
3
18/10/20
France Ligue 1 LI1
Lille
Lens
4
0
Last Five - Lille
13/11/22
France Ligue 1 LI1
Angers
Lille
0
1
W
06/11/22
France Ligue 1 LI1
Rennes
Lille
1
1
D
30/10/22
France Ligue 1 LI1
Lyon
Lille
1
0
L
23/10/22
France Ligue 1 LI1
Monaco
Lille
3
4
W
14/10/22
France Ligue 1 LI1
Strasbourg
Lille
0
3
W
Last Five - Lens
12/11/22
France Ligue 1 LI1
Clermont Foot
Lens
1
2
W
05/11/22
France Ligue 1 LI1
Angers
Lens
1
2
W
28/10/22
France Ligue 1 LI1
Toulouse
Lens
0
3
W
22/10/22
France Ligue 1 LI1
Marseille
Lens
0
1
W
15/10/22
France Ligue 1 LI1
Montpellier
Lens
0
1
W
Lille needs to score early to have a chance
Because of the leaking defense, Lille's attackers have a bigger pressure on their backs as they try to supplement weaknesses in their defensive line. This past summer Lille spent most of its budget on forward-type players while neglecting their defensive woes. That decision is haunting them this season. The only positive aspect is the form of Jonathan David who scored six goals, and the Canadian is the team's best player.
Lille potential starting 11: Chevalier, Diakite, Fonte, Djalo, Ismaily, Andre, Martin, Ounas, Gomes, Bamba, David.
Lens is one of only three teams that didn't taste defeat this season in nine matches played, and they will be hoping to continue that run of form. Their defense is their big strength, but having a productive offensive line proved to be crucial in balancing the squad that coach Franck Haise has at his disposal. Florian Sotoca has been pivotal up front with impressive six goals, and he is making headlines across France with great all-round performances. There are not many players this season who scored more goals than a 23-year French striker who is coming into his own this year.
Lens potential starting 11: Samba, Medina, Danso, Haidara, Machado, Fofana, Abdul Samed, Cabot, Costa, Sotoca, Openda.
Team News:
Lille: Edon Zhegrova is missing with injury.
Lens: Jonathan Gradit is unavailable through injury.
FAQ about Lille vs Lens
- Which team scored more goals this season? – Teams are tied with 17 goals apiece
- When is the kick-off? – 19:45 BST, 20:45 CET
- Who is the favorite according to bookmakers? – Lille are favorites by a small margin
