Toulouse vs Lens Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 French Ligue 1
THE FACTS
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
When is Toulouse vs Lens on and what time does it start? Toulouse vs Lens will take place on Sunday 28th January, 2024 – 16:05 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Toulouse vs Lens? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Toulouse vs Lens on in the UK? TNT Sports have the rights to Ligue 1 matches in the UK, so it is worth checking their schedule for Toulouse vs Lens
Where can I stream Toulouse vs Lens in the UK? If Toulouse vs Lens is televised on TNT Sports, then subscribers can stream the match live on discovery+
THE LOWDOWN
TOULOUSE
Balancing domestic and continental commitments has been the Achilles heal of lots of teams in the past and that could well be the case for Toulouse this season, too, as they progress into the knockout playoffs of the UEFA Europa League but are down towards the bottom-of-the-table and involved in a Ligue 1 relegation battle.
The home team come into this one on the back of a shock defeat to Rouen in the Round of 32 of the Coupe de France after a 3-3 draw was followed by losing 12-11 on penalties. That surprise loss for the defending champions followed up a much-needed 1-0 defeat of fellow strugglers Metz in the league a couple of weeks ago.
LENS
After a busy summer transfer window, Lens started the season very slowly but now, under the management of Franck Haise, they have been much-improved as they launch themselves into the top-half of the table and back into European contention. However, they do now come into this on the back of a dip in form.
They didn’t play last weekend having already been knocked out of the Coupe de France a few weeks ago. Lens’ most recent outing saw them lose 2-0 to defending champions and league leaders, Paris Saint-Germain, a couple of weeks ago. The visitors have now managed just one win in their last five matches across all competitions.
THE TEAM NEWS
TOULOUSE
Zakaria Aboukhlal and Denis Genreau are out injured for Toulouse, whilst Frank Magri is among those away at the Africa Cup of Nations.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Restes; Kamanzi, Mawissa, Nicolaisen, Suazo; Sierro, Casseres Jr, Spierings; Donnum, Dallinga, Gelabert
UNAVAILABLE: Costa (International duty), Diarra (International duty), Magri (International duty), Genreau (Injured), Desler (Injured), Aboukhlal (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
LENS
Lens are missing the likes of Nampalys Mendy, Morgan Guilavogui and Abdukodir Khusanov due to international call-ups, whilst Przemyslaw Frankowski and Jonathan Gradit are out suspended.
PREDICTED XI (3-4-3): Samba; Mbala, Danso, Medina; Chavez, El Aynaoui, Diouf, Fulgini; Sotoca, Wahi, Costa
UNAVAILABLE: Samed (International duty), Guilavogui (International duty), Mendy (International duty), Khusanov (International duty), Cortes (International duty), Gradit (Suspended), Frankowski (Suspended), Haidara (Injured), Aguilar (Injured), Machado (Injured), Cabot (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
The home team would have expected a struggle this season and that has very much been the case. Toulouse have notched just 16 times in their 18 games so far this season with only Clermont having scored fewer than them. They now face a Lens side that are going to have to recover from their recent dip in form but they do have limited options with a lack of availability. So, whilst Lens would remain favourites, the best bet for this one would be to back a low-scoring encounter.
TIP: UNDER 3.5 GOALS
