Arsenal vs Lens Betting Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 UEFA Champions League | Group Stage
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
THE FACTS
When is Arsenal vs Lens on and what time does it start? Arsenal vs Lens will take place on Wednesday 29th November, 2023 – 20:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Arsenal vs Lens? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What channel is Arsenal vs Lens on in the UK? Arsenal vs Lens will be televised live on TNT Sports in the UK
Where can I stream Arsenal vs Lens in the UK? Arsenal vs Lens can be streamed live on the discovery+
THE LOWDOWN
ARSENAL
Arsenal come into this fifth group stage match of their Champions League return on the back of having won seven and drawn two of their last home games in all competitions. They are yet to concede at Emirates Stadium across the group stage so far, beating PSV 4-0 and Sevilla 2-0. With a four-point cushion at the top of Group B, just avoiding defeat against Lens would be enough to qualify for the round of 16.
Mikel Arteta’s side are riding the crest of a wave after having gone top of the Premier League on Saturday following their win against Brentford and Man City drawing with Liverpool. But their defeat at the hands of Lens in the reverse fixture between these two teams will no doubt be fresh in their minds.
LENS
Lens will need to be at their very best if they are to complete what would be a memorable pair of victories over their Premier League opponents. But it’s important to note that after four rounds of Group B fixtures, the Ligue 1 club have only been beaten once, a narrow 1-0 defeat away at PSV, which leaves them third-place in the group.
Their away record in this competition isn’t good at all, winning just one of their previous eight Champions League fixtures on their travels. Incredibly though, their only away victory in the tournament came against Arsenal, a 0-1 triumph at Wembley Stadium back in November 1998. It would be some story if they were to repeat that feat.
THE TEAM NEWS
ARSENAL
Central midfielder Thomas Partey has struggled with a hamstring injury all season and is set to miss out again here. He is joined on the sidelines by Emile Smith-Rowe. After scoring the winner away at Brentford off the bench last time out, Kai Havertz could be rewarded with a start here, which would put both Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli’s places at risk.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Havertz; Saka, Jesus, Trossard
UNAVAILABLE: Partey (Injured), Smith-Rowe (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
LENS
Lens are likely to field Frankowski on the right-hand-side and Haidara on the left due to the adductor injury that will keep Deiver Machado out of this game. After starting from the bench at the weekend, expect Florian Sotoca to come back into the starting line-up. Wahi will keep his place despite being sent off against Clermont Foot.
PREDICTED XI (3-4-3): Samba; Gradit, Danso, Medina; Frankowski, El Aynaoui, Samed, Haidara; Sotoca, Wahi, Thomasson
UNAVAILABLE: Machado (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE KEY STATS
- Arsenal have won six and drawn one of their last seven UEFA Champions League group stage matches at home.
- Arsenal have won their last eight UEFA club competition group stage matches at home.
- Arsenal have won 14 of their last 16 UEFA club competition group stage matches (L2).
- Arsenal have kept six clean sheets in their last seven UEFA Champions League group stage matches at home.
- Arsenal have scored two or more goals in each of their last 12 UEFA Champions League group stage matches at home.
- Lens are without a win in their last 13 UEFA club competition matches away from home (D7 L6). Since a 4-2 victory vs Groclin Grodzisk Wielkopolski in the UEFA Cup in September 2005.
THE PREDICTION
Expect Arsenal to come out of the blocks very quickly as they aim to get this game wrapped up as early as possible. There certainly won’t be any complacency from the Gunners after what happened to them in France and a team with the attacking assets that they boast such as Saka and Jesus should see them create plenty of opportunities. Although Lens are no pushovers and pose a significant threat themselves, particularly on the counter-attack, Arsenal are well worth backing to do exactly what they did to PSV and Sevilla, get the better of Lens by at least two clear goals.
TIP: ARSENAL TO WIN WITH -1 HANDICAP
