Lens vs Strasbourg Prediction & Tips
After defeats to two of the title contenders, Nice and Paris Saint-Germain, over the New Year period, Lens bounced back to record clean sheets against Toulouse (2-0) and Nantes (1-0) to move back into the top six in Ligue 1. As a result of that latest victory, the “Blood and Gold” start the day as one of only three clubs in the division to have recorded ten clean sheets in the league this season, the first of which they recorded in their previous meeting against Strasbourg, whom they beat 1-0.
That particular victory extended Lens’ unbeaten run in this head-to-head clash to three games (G2, E1), while it was the second of nine wins in their last 15 top-flight matches against all opponents (E4, P2). Franck Haise’s men have been particularly strong at home and especially in the second half, scoring nine league goals this season and conceding just three goals, a goal difference only improved in that specific period after the end of the last matchday by Nice and PSG.
After eliminating Le Havre from the Coupe de France on Wednesday, Strasbourg can cut Lens’ lead to four points if they pull off the upset at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis. Coach Patrick Vieira is certainly looking to the future this season, fielding the youngest starting XI Ligue 1 has seen in nearly two years (average age: 22.8) during the 2-1 loss to PSG last Friday.
However, with youth comes inconsistency, underscored by both their current 10th-place position and their inconsistent level in their last 11 league matches (G3, E6, P2), with none of the five wins or defeats coming by more than a one-goal margin. Despite scoring just eight goals away from home in Ligue 1 this campaign, five of those goals came from the 80th minute onwards, including the winning goal at home to Metz and 1-1 draws visiting Rennes, Brest and Marseille.
Players to watch: David Costa opened the scoring against Toulouse and Nantes, which were his first goals since October 2022. After a poor start at Strasbourg, Chelsea-loanee striker Angelo Gabriel has two assists in his last four league games, both in 2-1 scorelines — games in which Vieira’s side beat Lille and lost to PSG.
Key stat: Both teams have scored in just two of Lens’ last 14 league matches.
Lens – Strasbourg FREE TIPS
BTS/YES @ 2.25
