Throughout the past years, RC Lens has transitioned from an underdog to a consistent performer in Ligue 1. This season is no different; the North French club is one of the remaining five clubs undefeated in the 2024/2025 season in League 1.
Lens started the 2024/2025 season impressively by methodically defeating Angers (0-1) away from home and a solid 2-0 win over Brest despite playing with a man down. Their form was slightly halted with a 1-1 draw against AS Monaco, but they still remain unbeaten.
After various movements in the transfer market, a different Lens is expected compared to the previous season. Elye Wahi left for Marseille and his departure has left a gap in the attack, having greatly contributed to the team’s offensive output during his stay. However, Lens quickly moved to fill the void with M’Bala Nzola from Fiorentina, a striker expected to take on the goalscoring responsibilities.
On the other hand, the club also signed Jhoanner Chávez, taking their chances on the South American market. Additionally, they brought in Anas Zaroury from Burnley to boost creativity in the midfield, aiming to inject more flair and attacking impetus into their gameplay.
Lyon’s struggles from last season have carried into the 2024/2025 Ligue 1 campaign. After spending much of the previous season at the bottom of the table, the new season began poorly.
L’OL was defeated twice before they could register their first victory of the season in the 2024/2025 Ligue 1 season. Lyon lost against Rennes (3-0), before bowing down to AS Monaco at home (0-2). A chaotic victory against Strasbourg (4-3) sparked some hope, but overall it confirmed the worries over their defensive side.
The transfer window brought some fresh faces to Lyon, as Wilfried Zaha has been brought in on a loan spell from Turkey. George Mikautadze, one of the standout performers for Georgia during EURO 2024, is also a signing that fans are eager to watch closely.
Duje Ćaleta-Car might have to sit out this game, as he left the pitch with an injury against Strasbourg. As he is usually fielded at the heart of the three-man backline of Lyon, this is somewhat of a headache ahead of a challenging match against RC Lens. Recently-purchased Adryelson is expected to replace the Croatian defender.
Bet hereIf Lyon still carries international prestige, the club’s mismanagement in the last years – between changing coaches and seeing constant exits and arrivals in the team – has made it clear that Lyon isn’t quite the European powerhouse it used to be.
However, they did manage to land in 6th place last season despite registering a -6 Goal Difference Deficit.
Pierre Sage, originally the caretaker manager, was responsible for the improvement, and his successful performance earned him a contract extension until 2026.
Lens is the more solid team – against a three-at-the-back, the different in tactical set-ups could see the Northern French welcome Lyon in a thunderstorm – and take advantage of the lack of defensive organisation by the French giant.
Lens was the runner-up only two seasons ago.
They might have dropped off since, but they’re often difficult to defeat due to their methodical approach in transitions. Lens is not expect to tear Lyon apart – but it carries a stability advantage that could be precious in the encounter. With the home advantage, most things turn in the favour of the host – this match should be no different.
Teams with higher confidence tend to take the initiative, especially at this stage of this season. Add the home factor, and this is the justification for the tip. Unfortunately for Lens, the absence of Anas Zaroury – who left the pitch injured in the 1-1 draw against Monaco, could deprive the club of their usual attacking flair.
Nonetheless, Chavez’s dynamism probably would be enough for Lens to spam attacks through the wings, while Lyon’s defensive system often famously collapses under pressure like a house of cards.
Lens is burdened by several injuries, so they will not be able to play their usual system to the fullest extent, which speaks in favour of Lyon showing resistance. Maxence Caqueret is always able to send a spark of magic into the opponent’s box. In other words, seeing Lyon return home without a single goal would be surprising. Relying on Caqueret might just not be enough, not against Lens, which is known to play as a cohesive unit.
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