Nice vs Lens Prediction & Tips
Hot on the tails of their fellow European challengers, Nice wrap up 2021 with a hotly contested clash against another of those European hopefuls, Lens. Recent history is firmly on Nice’s side, with three consecutive H2H league victories, but with that as many wins as they managed in the previous 25 combined Ligue 1 meetings (D13, L9), Nice can’t take anything for granted.
Nice’s H2H confidence could be further dampened by their wretched Ligue 1 record on Wednesdays, as they’ve won just two of their last 14 fixtures on this day (D6, L6). There is also added pressure for boss Christophe Galtier, who could become the first Nice manager since Silvester Takač (1997) to lose four successive home Ligue 1 games.
A five-game winless Ligue 1 sequence (D3, L2) followed a run of six wins in nine league outings (L3) for Lens, derailing their European push slightly, although victory against Nice could see them climb into the top five. To do so, Lens will have to do something they haven’t managed in the league since September – win on the road (D1, L4).
Only three Ligue 1 sides have scored more goals than Lens, but their 26 conceded is the highest of any side currently inside the top half. It’s those defensive frailties which have seen Lens keep just one clean sheet in their last 17 Ligue 1 away outings, and concede an average of 2.29 goals across their previous seven such matches.
Players to watch: Andy Delort scored the winner in Nice’s weekend cup game, and they have won the last three Ligue 1 games in which he has scored. In contrast, if Seko Fofana gets on the scoresheet, then don’t be shocked to see a draw, as his five scoring appearances this season all ended in stalemate!
Hot stat: Both teams have scored in just 39% (seven) of Nice’s Ligue 1 matches – a joint-league low.
Nice – Lens FREE TIPS
Lens – Win @ 3.25
