Lens vs Nice prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2023-01-31 20:00.
Opta Analyst may have described the title race as "all but overââ when Ligue 1 resumed after the World Cup break, giving Lens a measly 0.9% chance of snatching league glory, but a subsequent dip from reigning champions PSG as well as Lensâ continued impressive form means their title push is still well and truly on as they prepare to host Nice.
The Blood and Gold poured their blood, sweat and tears into a 1-1 draw with Troyes last time out, netting a late equaliser to extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to 12 games (W9, D3). While they might feel disappointed after ultimately missing the chance to close the gap on PSG, they can be proud of their form this season, especially a ten-game home win streak in the league – the longest in their top-flight history – with PSG the only other side to win each of their opening ten home contests of a Ligue 1 campaign.
This could spell trouble for a mid-table Nice side that has only won away to Lens once since the turn of the century (D5, L5), though they shouldnât be underestimated with the club now undefeated in three league matches since appointing Didier Digard as boss (W2, D1). That run was bookended by Sundayâs 1-0 triumph over Lille which led to Digard stating that it was "Great to see the club filled with joy".
An injury that kept Arsenal-loanee Nicolas PĂ©pĂ© out of that victory is reported to have been "worse than first fearedââ which comes as a blow to a thriving outfit. Itâs arguably their defence which makes them troublesome opponents however, with only the top three conceding less league goals than their 20 ahead of the round.
Key battle: This could be a battle of two in-form shot-stoppers. Lensâ Brice Samba has let in just two goals in his last seven home games, and has kept successive clean sheets against Nice (W1, D1), while the visitors may rely again on Kasper Schmeichel, who was named âFlashscore Man of the Matchâ due to his heroics in their victory over Lille.
Hot stat: No side has scored more second-half league goals at home than Lens ahead of the round (16).