RC Lens and Olympique Lyonnais clash at Stade Bollaert-Delelis in the first round of Ligue 1 on Saturday, 16 August.
Keep close tabs on French Ligue 1 predictions after viewing our key Lens vs Lyon tips below.
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Lens vs Lyon prediction: Hosts to extend their unbeaten H2H home streak
Key stats
- Lens have lost just once in their last 10 matches (W6, D3).
- Les Sang et Or have won three of their last 14 opening Ligue 1 matches (D4, L7).
- Lyon were undefeated in five of their six preseason friendlies.
- Les Gones have lost five of their last eight fixtures away from home (W3).
Correct score prediction: Lens 2-1 Lyon
Lens narrowly missed out on European football last season, finishing eighth in Ligue 1, just five points behind Lyon and Strasbourg. Under former Lyon boss Pierre Sage, the Blood and Gold have built momentum with an impressive preseason which saw them suffer just one defeat in seven friendly.
This should provide the hosts with enough momentum to edge past the visitors, who barely escaped relegation last season due to financial reasons. For a side that only avoided demotion due to an administrative reprieve from the DNCG, travelling to the intimidating Bollaert-Delelis on the opening matchday might throw them off balance.
While both clubs have seen key departures in the transfer window, their new signings add intrigue to this season opener. Having triumphed in their last meeting – a crucial away win at Lyon in May – Lens appear well-positioned to secure another victory against their opponents.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Clear home favourites
- HOME: 5/4 (2.25) – 44.4%
- DRAW: 13/5 (3.60) – 27.7%
- AWAY: 19/10 (2.90) – 34.4%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Lens struggled at home last season, losing eight on home turf – as many as their previous three seasons combined. They are backed by odds of 5/4 (2.25), indicating a 44.4% chance of success on this season opener.
Lyon will aim for a Champions League group stage finish this season for the first time in five years. Their off-pitch pickles might have just pushed bookies to cite them as underdogs, with 19/10 (2.90) odds. This implies a 34.4% probability of success away at Lens.
Visit our football betting tips page for more free predictions.
Most recent H2Hs: One-sided in recent years
Lens have dominated H2Hs in recent years, tasting defeat just once in their last seven top-flight meetings – back in February 2023. In fact, Lyon remain winless away at Stade Bollaert-Delelis since 2015, making this their sixth visit since then.
France Ligue 1 04/05/25
Lyon
Lens
France Ligue 1 15/09/24
Lens
Lyon
France Ligue 1 03/03/24
Lyon
Lens
France Ligue 1 02/12/23
Lens
Lyon
France Ligue 1 12/02/23
Lyon
Lens
Lens preview: Three absentees
Pierre Sage’s side come into this clash with few absences from the squad, with Jonathan Gradit set to miss out for the hosts due to suspension. Remy Labeau Lascary and Jhoanner Chavez are also doubtful to appear against Lyon.
Predicted lineup: Risser (GK), Sarr, Udol, Baidoo, Aguilar, Thomasson, Diouf, Machado, Thauvin, Said & Satriano
France Ligue 1 10/05/25
D
Toulouse
1
Lens
1
France Ligue 1 04/05/25
W
Lyon
1
Lens
2
France Ligue 1 27/04/25
L
Auxerre
4
Lens
0
France Ligue 1 20/04/25
W
Brest
1
Lens
3
France Ligue 1 11/04/25
L
Reims
2
Lens
0
Lyon preview: A first away H2H win in 10 years?
Paulo Fonseca’s men will be without Nemanja Matic, while Orel Mangala and Ernest Nuamah are sidelined due to long-term injuries.
Predicted lineup: Descamps (GK), Kumbedi, Niakhate, Mata, Tagliafico, Tolisso, Merah, Morton, Maitland-Niles, Mikautadze & Fofana
France Ligue 1 10/05/25
L
Monaco
2
Lyon
0
France Ligue 1 04/05/25
L
Lens
2
Lyon
1
France Ligue 1 26/04/25
W
Rennes
1
Lyon
4
France Ligue 1 20/04/25
L
St Etienne
2
Lyon
1
UEFA Europa League 17/04/25
L
Man Utd
5
Lyon
4
Player to watch: Adrien Thomasson
Having scored in Lens’ 2-1 victory over RB Leipzig in their final preseason fixture, Thomasson will be burning with confidence to get things rolling in this season opener. Additionally, the Frenchman has proved vital in recent H2Hs against Lyon – registering three assists in last three meetings, including two in the last H2H back in May.