Troyes vs Lens Prediction & Tips
Troyes has its work “almost done” after going two games unbeaten (G1, E1) before the penultimate round of Ligue 1 matches — it is all but assured of avoiding relegation in its first season back in France’s top flight after a three-year hiatus. Troyes can aim for a best-ever 14th-place finish — that would represent their highest final position since the 2001/02 season.
The Stade de l’Aube has become something of a fortress for Troyes of late, having lost just one of their last seven clashes at this venue (G3, E3). It remains to be seen if they can maintain the same level of intensity given that they are now playing for pride alone, but the home side should not be underestimated — they boast a 70% unbeaten rate when underdogs and playing at home (G3, E4, P3).
Undoubtedly, the onus is on Lens to win here, as anything less than victory could ruin their faint hopes of getting into next season’s European competitions. The dream was kept alive by scoring the stoppage-time winner against Reims last matchday, on what was the fifth occasion this season that Lens avoided defeat after trailing after the first 45 minutes (G2, E3, P4) — the second-best record in the entire league.
Continuing their upward trajectory, Lens has followed a run of five losses in six away league games with a run of just two of the next eight (G4, E2). Combine that improvement with what’s at stake and it’s easy to see why Lens enters this clash as favorites — but that’s a label they’ve justified with victory in just 40% of their away clashes (G4, E2, P4).
Players to watch: Four of Troyes’ last five goals came from the penalty spot — Florian Tardieu scored three of them. Meanwhile, Seko Fofana’s 91st-minute winner means that three of their last four goals altered the outcome in second-half stoppage time.
Key stat: Troyes are the only Ligue 1 side yet to score at home between the 61st and 75th minute.
Troyes – Lens FREE TIPS
Lens – Win @ 2.25
