Lens vs Brest prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2022-08-06 13:00.
In recording twin seventh-placed finishes after gaining promotion to Ligue 1 two years ago, Lens have proven that they are no flukes when it comes to challenging the more established top-flight teams for European qualification via the league. Their latest signal of intent to do so again is well-reflected by a purposeful summer, with transfer expenditure of over ÂŁ25m so far.
In the eyes of many, only a first European qualification since 2007 can justify such an outlay, making a strong start crucial. On that note, Lens are clear pre-match favourites to get off on the right foot, and showed their ability to handle expectations last term by winning over half of their home league matches entered as the sportsbooks’ pick (W9, D4, L3).
Though favoured here, Lens will underestimate Brest at their peril. Michel Der Zakarian’s first season in charge of the Brittany side brought the club’s joint second-best finish in the French pyramid (11th) since celebrating an all-time high of eighth place in 1987, potentially priming them to break into the top-ten – something Brest last did back in 1990.
Yet, after suffering a late slump of three straight defeats to end 2021/22, Brest may feel inclined to start off focusing on preservation and countering. Such an approach helped them win March’s corresponding clash 1-0 – and record their only away league shutout of the campaign against a surviving team – despite taking just 37% possession.
Players to watch: Arriving for over £8.8m, Loïs Openda is Lens’ marquee summer signing to date – he hit 18 Eredivisie goals last term (including nine match winners and six braces) to finish second in the scoring charts. Also his own team’s top gun in 2021/22, Franck Honorat secured Brest’s victory here earlier this year, and his last five away goals have acted as openers and/or decisive winners.
Hot stat: Lens won the second half 1-0 in six (67%) of their nine home league wins last season.