The much-anticipated Northern Derby between Lens and Lille is set for 27 October 2024 at Stade Bollaert-Delelis. This ninth-round clash of Ligue 1 will feature two teams tied on 14 points, with just goal difference separating them in 4th and 5th place respectively.
Lens, under coach Will Still, remains unbeaten this season. However, they are battling a slew of injuries, including key players Wesley Saïd and Ismaël Ganiou, and face a tough schedule ahead, including a game against Paris Saint-Germain. Lille, coached by Bruno Genesio, comes in b with an impressive away win against Atlético Madrid in the Champions League, despite their own injury woes. Their momentum is undeniable, and the weather forecast of overcast clouds and calm wind could favor a low-scoring affair.
With both teams demonstrating resilience and capability, a closely contested match is expected. Our betting tip: a draw, with odds of 3.50, considering the historical trend of their recent encounters.
Lens vs Lille Prediction & Betting tip
Given the close contest expected and the historical and recent performances of both teams, the recommended betting tip for this match is a Draw. With both teams showcasing solid defenses and resilience, a draw is a logical bet.
| Lens vs. Lille Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Draw | 3.50 |
- Both teams have b defensive records, with each maintaining three clean sheets in their last five games.
- Lens have drawn four of their last five matches, showing their steadiness but struggling to clinch wins.
- Lille’s recent form includes a notable win against Atletico Madrid, indicating they are tough opponents even away.
Lens vs Lille Odds
With the upcoming derby right around the corner, here’s a glance at the betting odds. Lens are slight bookmaker favorites, reflecting their solid home form. However, Lille’s recent impressive run, especially their victories against top-tier teams in the Champions League, showcases their potential to pull off a win. Considering the odds, a draw stands out as a potentially rewarding bet.
| Lens vs. Lille Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Lens | 2.15 |
| Draw | 3.35 |
| Lille | 3.42 |
The odds are close, indicating a tight contest. Betting on a draw seems sensible given the recent historical trends and the form of both teams.
Lens vs Lille Live Streaming
Unfortunately, there is no live telecast of Ligue 1 in India. However, the new OTT platform GXR has the Ligue 1 live streaming rights. Fans can watch Lens vs Lille live streaming on the GXR app at 12:30 AM on Sunday.
Lens Team Analysis
Lens Recent Performance WDDDD
With a solid 2-0 victory over Saint-Etienne breaking their series of four draws, RC Lens has shown a blend of resilience and consistency lately. Their defensive robustness is evident, having kept three clean sheets in their last five matches. In terms of offensive power, they’ve managed an average of 1.00 goals per game over recent fixtures, showcasing a balanced but not particularly threatening attack. Lens’ recent form is reflected in their home ground performances, where they remain unbeaten in seven consecutive matches, proving Stade Bollaert-Delelis to be a fortress.
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Saint-Étienne | Lens | 0-2 (Win) |
| Strasbourg | Lens | 2-2 (Draw) |
| Lens | Nice | 0-0 (Draw) |
| Rennes | Lens | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Lens | Lyon | 0-0 (Draw) |
Lens Key Players
RC Lens will heavily rely on M’Bala Nzola in their offensive play. Nzola, who has netted 2 goals this season, leads the team’s attack alongside Florian Sotoca. Their ability to break down Lille’s defense will be crucial.
Przemysław Frankowski is another player to watch. His stunning goal from distance against Saint-Étienne showcased his capability to score from unexpected positions, adding another dimension to Lens’ tactics.
Defensively, Kevin Danso, Jonathan Gradit, and Facundo Medina have been solid at the back, keeping three clean sheets in the last five matches. Their matchup against Lille’s Jonathan David, who has scored 5 goals, will be pivotal.
Expected lineup for Lens:
- Goalkeeper: Brice Samba
- Defenders: Jonathan Gradit, Kevin Danso, Facundo Medina
- Midfielders: Przemysław Frankowski, Adrien Thomasson, Andy Diouf, Jhoanner Chávez, Angelo Fulgini
- Attackers: Florian Sotoca, M’Bala Nzola
Lens Suspensions & Injuries
Lens faces significant challenges with numerous injuries heading into their derby against Lille.
Coach Will Still has six key players sidelined:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Jimmy Cabot | Knee injury | Early November 2024 |
| Herve Koffi | Back injury | Late November 2024 |
| Martin Satriano | Cruciate ligament injury | Early June 2025 |
| Sidi Bane | Hamstring injury | Early November 2024 |
| Ruben Aguilar | Shoulder injury | Late November 2024 |
| Wesley Saïd | Muscle injury | Mid-November 2024 |
Additionally, Facundo Medina is suspended due to yellow card accumulation:
| Player | Suspension | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Facundo Medina | Yellow card accumulation | Next round |
These absences, including key defensive cog Medina, could significantly impact Lens’ stability and performance against Lille and their next fixture with Paris Saint-Germain.
Lens Tactics and Formation
Lens Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 3-4-1-2
- Key Forwards: Florian Sotoca and M’Bala Nzola
- Midfield Backbone: Adrien Thomasson and Andy Diouf
- Wing Options: Przemyslaw Frankowski and Jhoanner Chávez
- Defensive Setup: Three central defenders—Jonathan Gradit, Kevin Danso, and Facundo Medina (absent this match due to suspension).
- Defensive Strength: Lens have kept three clean sheets out of their last five games, demonstrating their solid defensive organization.
- Attacking Strategy: Emphasizes creating chances during the 76-90 and 16-30 minute intervals, leveraging their endgame stamina.
- Possession Play: Lens use a high-pressing game to control possession and force errors in the opponent’s half.
Given their coach Will Still’s preference for a solid backline and effective wing play, expect Lens to utilize their stable yet dynamic 3-4-1-2 formation to disrupt Lille’s rhythm.
Lille Team Analysis
Lille Recent Performance WDWWW
Lille is in dazzling form right now, winning four of their last five matches, which includes a stunning 3-1 away victory against Atletico Madrid. Their consistent performance means they come into this match as a formidable opponent. They have been prolific in front of goal, scoring an average of 1.80 goals per game and maintaining three clean sheets in their last five fixtures. Bruno Génésio’s side has certainly showcased their ability to find the net and hold the opposition at bay.
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Atletico Madrid | Lille | 1-3 (Win) |
| Monaco | Lille | 0-0 (Draw) |
| Lille | Toulouse | 2-1 (Win) |
| Lille | Real Madrid | 1-0 (Win) |
| Le Havre | Lille | 0-3 (Win) |
Their resilient defense and potent attack will make them tough adversaries for Lens, making this clash all the more intriguing.
Lille Key Players
Lille’s squad boasts several key players who could make a significant impact in the upcoming match. Their top scorer, Jonathan David, has already netted five goals this season and will be a critical attacking threat. Expected lineup for Lille:
- Goalkeeper: Lucas Chevalier
- Defenders: Thomas Meunier, Aissa Mandi, Bafodé Diakité, Gabriel Gudmundsson
- Midfielders: Angel Gomes, Andre Gomes, Benjamin Andre
- Attackers: Edon Zhegrova, Jonathan David, Osame Sahraoui
Key individual battles to watch include Jonathan David up against Lens’ sturdy defense led by Kevin Danso and Facundo Medina. In the midfield, Benjamin Andre’s influence will be vital as he faces off against the likes of Adrien Thomasson and Andy Diouf.
Lille Suspensions & Injuries
Lille face several injury concerns that could impact their squad depth and on-field performance. Notable absences include seasoned players such as Samuel Umtiti and exciting prospects like Ethan Mbappe.
Injury Table:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Samuel Umtiti | Knee injury | Early November 2024 |
| Nabil Bentaleb | Heart problems | Early November 2024 |
| Ismaily | Meniscus injury | Early November 2024 |
| Hákon Arnar Haraldsson | Foot injury | Early November 2024 |
| Ethan Mbappe | Thigh injury | Early January 2025 |
| Tiago Santos | Cruciate ligament injury | Out for the season |
| Mitchel Bakker | Muscle injury | Early November 2024 |
| Remy Cabella | Thigh injury | Mid-November 2024 |
Lille will need to adapt their tactics to compensate for these absences, particularly in defense and midfield. The unavailability of Remy Cabella could also limit their attacking options, placing additional pressure on Jonathan David and co. to deliver upfront. With so many key players sidelined, Bruno Génésio’s side will have their work cut out for them to maintain their competitive form.
Lille Tactics and Formation
Lille’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-3-3
- Expected Formation: 4-3-3, shifting to a dynamic 4-2-3-1 dependent on in-game situations.
- Key Forward: Jonathan David
- With 5 goals this season, David is the primary attacking threat.
- Midfield Trio: Angel Gomes, Andre Gomes, Benjamin Andre
- This trio will look to dominate the midfield battle, leveraging physicality and passing accuracy.
- Defensive Strength: Four clean sheets in the last five games.
- Aissa Mandi and Bafodé Diakité will be crucial in maintaining this resilience.
- Notable Strategy: Strong attack during the 76-90-minute interval.
- Lille has a knack for scoring late in the game, so expect a push in the final minutes.
Lens vs Lille Head-to-Head Statistics
The recent encounters between Lens and Lille have been tightly contested, showcasing the competitive nature of this fixture. In the last five meetings, both teams have shared the spoils on three occasions, with Lille edging out victories twice. Here’s a look at the results:
| Home | Away | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Lille | Lens | 2-1 |
| Lens | Lille | 1-1 |
| Lens | Lille | 1-1 |
| Lille | Lens | 1-0 |
| Lille | Lens | 1-2 |
These results suggest a closely fought battle, with two draws at Stade Bollaert-Delelis indicating a balanced contest on Lens’ home turf. Expect another tight clash this time around.
Venue and Weather
The match will take place at Stade Bollaert-Delelis, a venue renowned for its electric atmosphere and loyal fanbase. With a seating capacity of 38,000, the stadium will undoubtedly be buzzing with energy as Lens takes on Lille. On match day, the weather forecast predicts overcast clouds with a temperature of 13°C, a humidity level of 79%, and a light wind speed of 1.54 m/s. These conditions could lead to a slower-paced game, as the overcast skies and cool temperature may affect player stamina and ball control. Teams might adopt a more cautious approach, focusing on maintaining possession and capitalizing on any defensive lapses by their opponent. Lens, being the home team, will look to leverage their familiarity with the venue to gain an edge.
