Verdict: Allan Saint-Maximin to score anytime
Best Odds: 23/10
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Knowing that they can officially punch their iconic Champions League ticket on Friday night, Lens will welcome Nantes to the Stade Bollaert-Delelis.
Lens
Starting with the hosts, embarking on what has been a real Ligue 1 fairytale this season, Lens have firmly cemented their spot as one of Europe’s ultimate surprise packages. Rightfully receiving a string of plaudits from across France’s elite, Joseph Oughourlian’s high-flying squad find themselves sat in silver medal position and within touching distance of officially punching an iconic Champions League ticket. Punching their spot in the final of this season’s Coupe de France last month as they stormed their way to a 4-1 victory against Toulouse, Lens will be looking to make another high-profile domestic statement here. It should also be highlighted, Oughourlian’s men have won all of their last four straight showdowns at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis by an aggregate score of 15-4.
Lens Team News
Shown a late red card away at Nice last time out, Roma loanee Saud Abdulhamid will miss out through suspension here. However, completing a January loan switch from Sunderland, one-time West Ham defender Arthur Masuaku will return to Oughourlian’s squad after serving a one-match domestic ban of his own.
Now finding the net in each of his last three consecutive domestic appearances, former Newcastle talisman Allan Saint-Maximin will play a leading role in the final third. Notching 12 Ligue 1 strikes this season, ex-Crystal Palace marksman Odsonne Edouard will lead the line.
Nantes
As for the visitors, while Nantes might have sprung an almighty upset last week as they opened May with a sensational 3-0 romp against French heavyweights Marseille, the Canaries are seeking what would be an all-time miracle in the race to avoid the drop. Still sat five points adrift of the relegation play-off spot and with just a two Ligue 1 matchups remaining, Vahid Halihodizc’s side have also mustered just a sole win from any of their last nine straight attempts – a run that stems back to February 22nd. Likewise, gaining a reputation for their glaring issues on the road, Nantes have also registered just a pair of points from any of their last seven appearances outside of Pays de la Loire. Despite claiming a heavyweight Ligue 1 scalp last time out, the Yellows have a monumental challenge on their hands here.
Nantes Team News
Limping off midway through the first-half against Marseille last week with a suspected muscle injury, Nantes are expected to be without Colombia defender Deiver Machado. Academy graduate Tylel Tati is still recovering from a thigh issue and won’t play any part here.
However, serving a one-match Ligue 1 suspension last week, 21-year-old Dehmaine Tabibou will return to Nantes’ travelling squad. Notching back-to-back domestic strikes on either side of opening May, Cameroonian striker Ignatius Ganago will spearhead Halihodizc’s attack.
Lens vs Nantes Key Factors to Consider
- When Lens and Nantes met for their reverse Ligue 1 battle on December 6th, Friday’s hosts secured a 2-1 victory in Pays de la Loire.
- Lens have won all of their previous four straight showdowns at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis by an aggregate score of 15-4.
- Former Newcastle ace Allan Saint-Maximin has found the net in each of his last three consecutive domestic appearances.
- Nantes’ sensational 3-0 victory against Marseille last time out as the first win that they have claimed from their previous nine attempts.
- The Canaries have registered just two points from their last four matchups on the road.
Conclusion
Knowing that they can officially punch a silver medal finish on Friday night, Lens will simply be looking to make another statement here. Embarking on an iconic fairytale and cementing their spot as one of Europe’s ultimate surprise packages, Friday’s hosts have also gained a fearsome reputation for their continued dominance at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis. While Nantes might have sprung a monumental upset last week as they stormed their way to a remarkable 3-0 romp against Marseille, the Canaries couldn’t have asked for a tougher challenge this weekend.
Verdict: Allan Saint-Maximin to score anytime
Best Odds: 23/10
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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