Prediction: Lens vs Marseille – Betting Tips, Team News, Key Facts

Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves 

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Hoping to extend their stay at the top of the Ligue 1 standings this weekend, Marseille will travel to the Stade Bollaert-Delelis when they meet Lens on Saturday night.

Lens

Starting with the hosts, last seen marking their return from October’s international break with a 2-1 victory against Ligue 1 debutants Paris FC, Lens have enjoyed a sensational start to proceedings. Getting this weekend’s fixtures underway sat in the European spots, Pierre Sage’s men find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Heading into October’s fortnight interval with another 2-1 win away at Auxerre, the Yellows have registered 10 points from their previous four top-flight appearances. Springing an almighty upset last month as they collected a heavyweight scalp thanks to an empathic 3-0 romp against Lille, Lens should be relishing another stern examination here. It should also be noted, the former Lyon boss has seen his high-flying squad suffer just a single defeat from any of their previous seven straight Ligue 1 showdowns – a purple patch that stems all the way back to the opening weekend.

Lens Team News

Despite missing out against Paris FC last weekend after serving a one-match domestic suspension, Ismaelo Ganiou will return to Lens’ squad here. However, not featuring over the past month and still dealing with a knee issue, Colombian international Deiver Machado will miss out this weekend.

Notching back-to-back Ligue 1 strikes, former Crystal Palace marksman Odsonne Edouard will spearhead Sage’s charge in the final third. Now entering his campaign at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis, ex-Chelsea misfit Malang Sarr will start at the heart of Lens’ defence.

Marseille

As for the visitors, suffering European frustration earlier in the week as they eventually fell to a 2-1 loss away at Sporting Lisbon, Marseille are desperately searching for an immediate response here. Nevertheless, marking their return from October’s international break with an action-packed 6-2 win at home against Le Havre, Roberto De Zerbi’s men are leading the chase at the top of the Ligue 1 standings. Rightfully installed as PSG’s main title foe this season, the former Brighton boss has seen his squad win all of their previous five consecutive domestic appearances by an aggregate score of 16-3. However, facing what could be a stern examination this weekend, Marseille have struggled to find any real fluidity on their travels. In fact, continuing on from last season, De Zerbi’s camp have recorded just a trio of wins away from the Stade Velodrome since the start of February.

Marseille Team News

While summer recruit and former West Ham defender Emerson Palmieri might have been shown a Champions League red card in midweek, the 31-year-old is free to feature here. However, dealing with a thigh issue and not featuring since the end of August, Bournemouth loanee Hamed Junior Traore remains on the sidelines.

Bagging a quartet of Ligue 1 strikes during Marseille’s 6-2 victory against Le Havre last weekend, former Manchester United youngster Mason Greenwood will spearhead De Zerbi’s charge in the final third. Danish international Matt O’Riley could be handed a full recall in the middle of the park.

Lens vs Marseille Key Factors to Consider

• When Lens and Marseille last met back in March, Saturday’s hosts collected a shock 1-0 victory at the Stade Velodrome.
• Despite their Champions League frustration in midweek, Marseille have won all of their previous five consecutive domestic appearances by an aggregate score of 16-3.
• Lens have registered 10 points from their last four Ligue 1 showdowns.
• Likewise, the Yellows have suffered just single defeat from any of their previous seven straight Ligue 1 showdowns – a purple patch that stems all the way back to the opening weekend.
• Mason Greenwood has registered nine direct goal contributions in his eight Ligue 1 appearances so far this season.

Conclusion

While Marseille might be seeking an immediate domestic response here, De Zerbi’s men should be set for a rugged challenge on the road. Watching Lens enjoy their own respective purple patch and opening this weekend’s fixtures sat in the European spots, Saturday’s hosts will be confident of asking some serious questions. Watching Marseille muster just a single Ligue 1 clean sheet away from the Stade Velodrome since the start of February, we could be set for an enjoyable contest here.

Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Dachbet