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Lens host Nantes at Stade Bollaert-Delelis in Ligue 1 on Saturday evening, as both sides look to recover from recent poor form. Will Still’s Lens have endured back-to-back defeats, while Antoine Kombouare’s Nantes side continue to slide down the league table. With pressure mounting on both managers, this fixture could prove pivotal in shaping the futures of both teams and their respective coaches.

Match Preview

Lens made an impressive start to the season, going unbeaten in their first eight Ligue 1 matches under the guidance of Will Still, who has seen his stock rise since taking over at Reims. However, their form has taken a downturn, with consecutive losses leaving them in seventh place, four points adrift of the top four. A controversial late penalty handed Lille a narrow 1-0 victory at Stade Bollaert-Delelis two weeks ago, before Lens fell 1-0 to Paris Saint-Germain in the capital, a match that was marred by Abdukodir Khusanov’s red card.

The Blood and Gold are now at risk of losing three straight Ligue 1 matches for the first time since their return to the top flight in 2020. Despite a strong defensive record, with five clean sheets in seven home games, their inability to score has been a glaring issue. Lens have not found the back of the net at home since August, and they remain the only club in Ligue 1 with double figures in both goals scored and conceded. Przemyslaw Frankowski is their top scorer with just two goals, underlining their struggles in the final third.

For the visiting side, Nantes, the situation is similarly precarious. Kombouare’s men have taken just three points from their last seven games, and the Canaries find themselves only outside the relegation zone on goal difference. After a promising start to the season, where they collected seven points from their first three matches, Nantes have plummeted down the standings. Their run of poor form started with disappointing results against Reims, Angers, and Saint-Etienne, followed by defeats to Strasbourg and Marseille.

Nantes have struggled to hold onto leads, dropping a league-high nine points from winning positions this season. With their manager under increasing pressure, the Canaries need a positive result against a Lens side that has proven to be a tough opponent in recent meetings.

Team News

Lens:
Lens welcome back Facundo Medina from suspension, and he is expected to slot into the backline in place of the suspended Abdukodir Khusanov, who was sent off against PSG. However, Will Still faces a selection headache in attack, with M’Bala Nzola suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards, while Wesley Said remains sidelined through injury. This could see David Pereira da Costa drafted into a reshuffled forward line. Lens’ injury list also includes Angelo Fulgini, Martin Satriano, Jimmy Cabot, and Ruben Aguilar, limiting Still’s options.

Nantes:
Nantes are also dealing with several injury concerns. Nathan Zeze is suspended following a late booking in the defeat to Strasbourg, though his absence may not affect the starting XI, as he was left on the bench last week. Johann Lepenant sustained a calf injury against Strasbourg and missed the defeat to Marseille, joining Fabien Centonze on the sidelines. Kombouare is expected to field a similar side, with Pedro Chirivella and Douglas Augusto anchoring the midfield.

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Predicted Lineups

Lens (3-4-3):
Goalkeeper: Samba
Defenders: Gradit, Danso, Medina
Midfielders: Frankowski, Diouf, Thomasson, Jhoanner Chavez
Forwards: Pereira da Costa, Zaroury, Sotoca

Nantes (4-2-3-1):
Goalkeeper: Lafont
Defenders: Coco, Castelletto, Pallois, Cozza
Midfielders: Chirivella, Augusto; Thomas, Kadewere, Simon
Forward: Mohamed

Key Players to Watch

For Lens, Przemyslaw Frankowski’s attacking contributions from wing-back will be crucial, while Lois Openda’s finishing ability could make the difference if he is given the nod in the starting XI. David Pereira da Costa will also be one to watch as he looks to step up in the absence of M’Bala Nzola.

Nantes will rely on the experience of goalkeeper Alban Lafont to keep them in the game, while Moses Simon’s pace and creativity on the wing could provide the spark needed for the visitors. Ludovic Blas’ playmaking skills and goal threat from midfield will also be pivotal for Kombouare’s side.

Match Prediction

With both sides struggling for form, this match could go either way. Lens’ strong defensive record at home may give them a slight edge, but their recent inability to score is a concern. Nantes’ poor form on the road and tendency to drop points from winning positions suggest they may struggle to take advantage of any opportunities.

Prediction: Lens 1-1 Nantes
Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Lens 1-1 Nantes.

Betting Tips

• Both Teams to Score: Yes. Given both teams’ recent defensive lapses and their desperation for points, goals at both ends are likely.
• Under/Over 2.5 Goals: Under 2.5. Lens have struggled to score at home, and Nantes have also been inconsistent in front of goal.
• First Goal Scorer: Przemyslaw Frankowski. The wing-back has been one of Lens’ few consistent attacking threats this season.
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