Lens vs Clermont Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 French Ligue 1
THE FACTS
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
When is Lens vs Clermont on and what time does it start? Lens vs Clermont will take place on Saturday 20th April, 2024 – 20:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Lens vs Clermont? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Lens vs Clermont on in the UK? TNT Sports have the rights to Ligue 1 matches in the UK, so it is worth checking their schedule for Lens vs Clermont
Where can I stream Lens vs Clermont in the UK? If Lens vs Clermont is televised on TNT Sports, then subscribers can stream the match live on discovery+
THE LOWDOWN
LENS
In the summer, Lens sold both Seko Fofana and Lois Openda. That led to a really slow start to the campaign but from late-September onwards, the northerners, still coached by Franck Haise, have re-established themselves as one of the very best teams in Ligue 1 after finishing as runners’ up to Paris Saint-Germain last season.
They come into this one, though, on the back of a continuation of some underwhelming recent form. They travelled to struggling Metz last weekend and took an early lead via a Florian Sotoca penalty but a first-half brace from Georgia international Georges Mikautadze turned the game on its head. That means Lens have now collected just a point from their last four matches.
CLERMONT
With just five games of the 2023/24 Ligue 1 campaign to go, Clermont begin the weekend sitting four points adrift of Lorient in the relegation playoff place and six off Le Havre, who are in the first place assured of survival in France’s top-flight. They have shown some fight in the last few weeks, though, with a steady recent run of form.
The visitors come into this one on the back of back-to-back draws. They pulled off a shock 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes before then being held to the same scoreline by an improving Montpellier side last weekend. That means Clermont have suffered just one loss in their last four matches.
THE TEAM NEWS
LENS
Lens have a few injuries for the visit of rock-bottom Clermont this weekend with Salis Abdul Samed and Jimmy Cabot sidelined. Ruben Aguilar is missing through suspension.
PREDICTED XI (3-4-2-1): Samba; Gradit, Danso, Medina; Frankowski, Diouf, El Aynaoui, Machado; Sotoca, Costa; Said
UNAVAILABLE: Aguilar (Suspended), Samed (Injured), Cabot (Inured)
QUESTIONABLE:
CLERMONT
Clermont have three injury absentees for this weekend’s clash with Lens. Jim Allevinah is sidelined for the visitors alongside both Cheick Konate and Maxime Gonalons.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Diaw; Zeffane, Matsima, Pelmard, Neto Borges; Magnin, Gastien, Keita; Cham, Alan Virginius, Rashani
UNAVAILABLE: Allevinah (Injured), Gonalons (Injured), Konate (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
This one is likely to be a very one-sided affair in the north of France, despite the recent form of the two sides. Lens have been one of the best sides in the country since their slow start but do need to turn around a slight dip so this is an excellent opportunity to do so. Clermont have shown some fight of late but they are expected to be playing Ligue 2 football so backing Lens to come out on top in this one is the way to go, especially with their home advantage.
TIP: LENS TO WIN
