In the sixth round of Ligue 1, Lens host Lyon with the two clubs separated by seven points in the table. Lens are 15th with four points, while Lyon sit second on 11, two behind leaders Monaco.
Lens have had a difficult start to their domestic campaign despite securing Champions League football and winning their opening match in that competition with a late goal. They now need an immediate improvement in Ligue 1 to avoid becoming drawn into the relegation battle.
Their latest result was a 2-0 friendly victory over Standard. Before that, Lens were beaten 2-1 away by Monaco in the league.
The home side face a Lyon team that has lost only in Champions League qualifying this season and remains unbeaten in the domestic competition. Lyon can move closer to Monaco by taking all three points, while Lens will need to find a way to exploit their opponents’ current situation at Stade Bollaert-Delelis.
However, the international break may have affected the momentum and condition of both squads.
Lyon’s most recent league match ended in a convincing 4-0 home win against Rennes. Before that, they defeated Anderlecht 2-1 in the Europa League.
Betting odds
Pinnacle888 lists Lens at 2.45 to win, with a draw priced at 3.75. Lyon are available at 2.7.
Four of Lens’ past six matches have ended with both teams scoring. Lyon, meanwhile, have avoided defeat in their last four away games.
Lens have won two of their previous five meetings with Lyon, suffering one defeat in that sequence.
Match prediction
The suggested selections from Pinnacle888 are a Lens victory at 2.45 and more than three goals in the match at 1.82.