Lens will make their way back to Stade Bollaert-Delelis on Sunday with an opportunity to halt their season-long streak of four winless games in Ligue 1 as they face Nantes.
Their recent 2-1 defeat against Lyon saw Les Sang et Or slip down to fourth place in the table, trailing Monaco by just one point for the third spot. Meanwhile, La Maison Jaune occupies the 13th position after securing a 1-0 win over Lorient in their previous weekend fixture.
Match preview
Both Lens and Nantes arrive at this Ligue 1 encounter seeking to bounce back from mixed results in recent weeks. Lens, currently eight points behind league leaders Paris Saint-Germain, have struggled for form, earning just one point in their last three domestic matches. Despite the dip, they remain within reach of a Champions League qualifying spot, sitting just one point behind fourth-placed Marseille.
Historically, Lens have been a formidable force at home, winning 10 of their last 11 matches at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis. However, they were upset by a 1-0 defeat to Nice in their most recent home game. Their record against Nantes at home is even more impressive, remaining unbeaten in their last seven Ligue 1 meetings.
However, Lens have a concerning trend of conceding the first goal in their recent matches, failing to win any of their last four Ligue 1 encounters after falling behind. Despite this, they boast the best defensive record in the league so far, conceding only 18 goals.
Nantes, on the other hand, come into the match in better form, unbeaten in their last four matches across all competitions. They have also developed an impressive away record, remaining undefeated in their last eight away games and keeping clean sheets in their last four league matches on the road.
Their defensive solidity is further evidenced by their six clean sheets in Ligue 1 this season, the most in the top five European leagues. Notably, they are the only French club to have kept Marseille scoreless in 2023.
Nantes have shown resilience in recent games, coming back from a goal down to draw with Angers in the Coupe de France and equalizing against Juventus in the Europa League. A victory on Sunday would mark their longest winning streak in the league this season, extending their current run to three matches.
This clash promises an intriguing battle between two teams with contrasting recent runs. Lens will look to capitalize on their home advantage and strong historical record against Nantes, while the visitors will aim to continue their impressive away form and defensive solidity.
Team News
Wuilker Farinez and Jimmy Cabot are facing extended spells on the sidelines for Lens due to ACL injuries, while Adam Buksa is nursing an ankle issue.
Alexis Claude-Maurice is also sidelined with a meniscus injury and is not expected to return until March. Additionally, Steven Fortes and Wesley Said are currently dealing with knee problems.
Despite their injury concerns, Deiver Machado managed to score the only goal for Lens in their recent defeat against Lyon. Meanwhile, Brice Samba, the Lens goalkeeper, has been in formidable form with nine clean sheets in Ligue 1 this season, placing him tied for second in the league with Gianluigi Donnarumma of PSG.
On the other hand, Nantes will be without Quentin Merlin due to a groin injury, while Ignatius Ganago remains sidelined for personal reasons. Andy Delort is also struggling with a knee injury.
Ludovic Blas has been in impressive form, scoring in two consecutive matches across all competitions. He scored the equalizer against Juventus in the Europa League and was the sole goal scorer in their recent victory over Lorient. Alban Lafont, Nantes’ goalkeeper, has also been pivotal with five saves in their last match, drawing level with Samba for second place in the league in terms of clean sheets (nine).
In their previous encounter at Stade Bollaert-Delelis last season, Nantes secured a 2-0 lead with a brace from Moses Simon. However, Lens fought back in the second half with goals from David Costa and former striker Arnaud Kalimuendo, resulting in a 2-2 draw.
Lens possible starting lineup
Samba; Gradit, Danso, Medina; Frankowski, Fofana, Abdul Samed, Machado; Onana, Thomasson; Sotoca
Nantes possible starting lineup
Lafont; Centonze, Castelletto, Girotto, Hadjam; Moutoussamy, Chirivella; Simon, Mollet, Blas; Mohamed`