Lens vs Paris SG prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2022-12-31 19:45.
A top-of-the table clash between Lens and Paris Saint-Germain closes the New Year’s Day programme in Ligue 1, as two sides that have incredibly lost just once between them this term meet at Stade Bollaert-Delelis. Lens (W11, D4, L1) returned to action following the World Cup by drawing 0-0 with Nice, a disappointing outcome given they’d won their previous five league games.
In the end, they might be grateful for the point earned as Nice had opportunities to win the game and now Lens return home, where they’ve won all eight Ligue 1 fixtures this term. Lens scored first in all but the last of those fixtures (W 2-1 v Clermont), so if they’re to close the seven-point gap between themselves and PSG at the top of the table, a good start could make things interesting.
PSG’s unbeaten league record (W14, D2) came under serious threat in midweek, but after Neymar’s red card and Marquinhos scoring at both ends, Kylian Mbappé netted an injury-time penalty to beat Strasbourg 2-1. PSG manager Christophe Galtier praised Mbappe’s selflessness and determination just ten days after that epic World Cup final in which he levelled the late Pelé’s record of 12 World Cup goals.
With Neymar now suspended and Lionel Messi still resting following the World Cup, the Parisians will again lean heavily on Mbappé as they take on an opponent they’ve struggled to deal with recently (W1, D2, L1). Indeed, they haven’t won a H2H here since Lens’ return to Ligue 1, conceding exactly once on each occasion (D1, L1), though the incentive of lengthening the gap atop of Ligue 1 could be the tonic needed to end that run.
Players to watch: Wesley Saïd scored Lens’ first goal in two of their last three league games so could be the man to provide them with a fast start. Yet PSG will remain dangerous if Mbappé is on the field, as his midweek penalty was his ninth league goal out of 13 this term to arrive after half-time and the fourth from his last six in Ligue 1 netted after the 75th minute.
Hot stat: The away side on the day hasn’t scored before half-time in any of the last five H2Hs.