In perhaps the most anticipated clash of the matchweek, third-placed Olympique de Marseille welcome league leaders Lens to Stade Velodrome with the aim of denting their Ligue 1 title charge on Saturday, 24 January.
Keep close tabs on French Ligue 1 predictions after viewing our key Marseille vs Lens tips below.
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Marseille vs Lens prediction: Lens to win
Key stats:
- Marseille have scored the most goals this league season (41).9
- Les Olympiens have won only twice in five competitive home games (D1, L2).
- Lens have conceded the least goals this league season (13).
- Les Sang et Or have won six of their nine away league fixtures (D1, L2).
Correct score prediction: Marseille 1-2 Lens
Marseille have been underperforming since the start of 2026, although their huge back-to-back victories in Ligue 1 and Coupe de France would suggest otherwise. Liverpool were the latest team to defeat Roberto de Zerbi’s men, with the 3-0 result marking their third loss this month.
Meanwhile, Lens are the most in-form French outfit, with the 1-0 win over Auxerre their 10th straight win across all competitions. Pierre Sage’s side have conceded a league-low 13 goals this top-flight campaign, and with three clean sheets on the trot, they have proven a difficult adversary for opponents.
Although the home side are favourites from the bookies point of view, Lens carry enough punch to hit Marseille where it hurts the most, especially after the hosts’ upsetting midweek defeat to Liverpool.
Pre-game odds and win probability: OM the favourites
- HOME: 19/20 (1.95) – 51.2%
- DRAW: 14/5 (3.80) – 26.3%
- AWAY: 12/5 (3.40) – 29.4%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Marseille have won just twice across their last five Ligue 1 games, although their impressive home form in the top-flight is inspirational. This perhaps leads bookmakers to believe that the Olympians could win, with odds of 19/20 (1.95) indicating a 51.2% chance of success.
Withwith five successive wins away from home across all competitions, Lens are well poised to upset the odds, which surprisingly suggest a mere 29.4% win probability rate for the visitors.
Don’t forget to check out more of our football betting tips page after analysing our Angers vs Marseille predictions.
Most recent H2Hs: Lens with the momentum
Lens completed a league double over Marseille last term, and are seeking a third consecutive H2H victory and a fourth win in six H2Hs (L2).
France Ligue 1 25/10/25
Lens
Marseille
France Ligue 1 08/03/25
Marseille
Lens
France Ligue 1 23/11/24
Lens
Marseille
France Ligue 1 28/04/24
Marseille
Lens
France Ligue 1 12/11/23
Lens
Marseille
Marseille preview: Can they close the eight-point gap to Lens?
Emerson is the only absentee for Marseille, while Nayef Aguerd is bound to return to the squad after a disappointing loss in the AFCON 2026 final.
Predicted lineup: Rulli (GK), Murillo, Balerdi, Medina, Weah, Nadir, Hogbjerg, Palmieri, Greenwood, Gomes & Gouiri
Last five matches:
- Marseille 0-3 Liverpool (UEFA Champions League)
- Angers 2-5 Marseille (Ligue 1)
- Bayeux 0-9 Marseille (Coupe de France)
- PSG 2-2 Marseille (4-1 on penalties) (Trophee des Champions)
- Marseille 0-2 Nantes (Ligue 1)
Lens preview: A sixth successive away win?
Atleast six players will miss the away clash in Marseille – Jhaonner Chavez, Jonathan Gradit, Regis Gutner, Odsonne Edouard, Anthony Bermont and Amadou Haidara.
Predicted lineup: Risser (GK), Ganiou, Baidoo, Sarr, Abdulhamid, Thomasson, Bulatovic, Udol, Thauvin, Said & Edouard
Last five matches:
- Lens 1-0 Auxerre (Ligue 1)
- Sochaux 0-3 Lens (Coupe de France)
- Toulouse 0-3 Lens (Ligue 1)
- Lens 3-1 Feignies-Aulnoye (Coupe de France)
- Lens 2-0 Nice (Ligue 1)
Player to watch: Wesley Said
Although Marseille’s Greenwood remains the top scorer in Ligue 1, Lens forward Wesley Said is not far behind, with eight goals so far. He netted the all-important winner in the 1-0 victory over Auxerre, and will be itching to get on the scoresheet.