Lens vs Nantes Betting Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 French Ligue 1
THE FACTS
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
When is Lens vs Nantes on and what time does it start? Lens vs Nantes will take place on Saturday 28th October, 2023 – 20:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Lens vs Nantes? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Lens vs Nantes on in the UK? TNT Sports have the rights to Ligue 1 matches in the UK, so it is worth checking their schedule for Lens vs Nantes
Where can I stream Lens vs Nantes in the UK? If Lens vs Nantes is televised on TNT Sports, then subscribers can stream the match live on discovery+
THE LOWDOWN
LENS
Lens can extend their unbeaten run to eight games across all competitions this weekend. Last season's Ligue 1 runners-up must find their clinical spark to avoid sliding into the drop zone, with one point separates them and the relegation places heading into the weekend. They must improve on their most recent league performance, a 0-0 stalemate with Le Havre.
Despite their league position, Lens have continued to look strong in the Champions League after they came from a goal behind to hold Eredivisie leaders PSV on Tuesday evening. Manger Frank Haise will look to convert their unbeaten form in Europe back to Ligue 1.
NANTES
Nantes' impressive form continued with a 2-0 home victory over Montpellier. After narrowly avoiding relegation last season, it seemed Les Canaries would be in strong contention for the drop into Ligue 2 this season.
With five wins in their last six, Nantes find themselves one point shy of the top four heading into the weekend. Manager Pierre Aristouy’s side failed to win any of their first four games of the new campaign, but are now climbing the table. With 16 goals, Only Monaco (23) and Paris Saint-Germain (20) have scored more this term at the time of writing.
THE TEAM NEWS
LENS
Elye Wahi returned from suspension to claim the equaliser against PSV, and should slot straight back into the starting line-up, forcing Wesley Saïd to the bench.
Deiver Machado completed 82 minutes in Europe after missing the last league meeting with Le Havre, keeping the wing-back in contention.
Haise has no fresh injury concerns, leaving Jimmy Cabot and Wauiler Farines as absentees with ACL injuries.
PREDICTED XI (3-4-2-1): Samba; Gradit, Danso, Medina; Frankowski, Mendy, Diouf, Haidara; Thomasson, Sotocca; Wahi
UNAVAILABLE: Jimmy Cabot (Injured), Wuilker Faríñez (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
NANTES
Nantes will be boosted by the return of their attacking threat, Egyptian forward Mostafa Mohamed, who missed two previous matches for his red in the 3-1 loss at Rennes.
Central defender Jean-Charles Castelletto also served his ban for an accumulation of bookings, allowing Jean-Kevin Duverne to move to right-back
With only a handful of injuries to the squad, Aristouy has a near-full strength side to choose from this weekend.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3-): Lafont; Duverne, Castelletto, Cömert, Merlin; Chirivella, Moutoussamy, Sissoko; Mollet, Mohammed, Simon
UNAVAILABLE: Douglas Augosto (Injured), Ignatius Ganago (Injured), Fabien Centonze (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
Saturday evening’s tie looks to be a classic attack v defence match-up. Lens, whilst not having the attacking ruthlessness of their opponents, defend admirably. Their midweek match may see fatigue creep into the backline, allowing this attacking Nantes side the opportunity to keep up their scoring accounts.
BETTING TIP: NANTES TO SCORE FIRST
