Brest vs Lens prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2023-02-04 16:05.
Brest and Lens will line up against each other for the second time in a matter of weeks, after Brest fell to a 3-1 defeat against their visitors which ended their Coupe de France aspirations. Their recent Ligue 1 form, highlighted by a four-game unbeaten run (W1, D3) with three clean sheets, sets them up not only to avenge that cup loss but also to move further away from the four-team relegation zone.
The Stade Francis-Le Blé faithful will be at full volume after the Pirates produced their best scoreline of the season in their most recent home outing, demolishing last-placed Angers 4-0. They might also fancy their chances when third-place Lens roll into town, as Brest have lost only three of the last 17 H2H league encounters played at home (W11, D3).
Lens hit the road having suffered somewhat of an upset when losing 1-0 at home to Nice during the week, with that being only their second defeat from their last 31 competitive matches (W20, D9). They have consequently surrendered second place to Marseille for the time being, which has left the battle for UEFA Champions League group stage qualification wide open.
Whilst remaining unbeaten in their last five away league matches (W2, D3) proves they’re a tough assignment for anyone, Franck Haise’s men have room for improvement on the road as they’ve collected just one-third (15) of their overall 45 Ligue 1 points away from home. This is primarily due to six draws against clubs placed eighth or lower, with only Reims (seven) collecting more away draws against all opponents this Ligue 1 season.
Players to watch: After his first-half strike against Angers, all but three of Steve Mounié’s last 21 competitive goals for Brest have been at home, including one at home to Lens last season. Lens’ Florian Sotoca returned the favour with a hat-trick in a 3-2 win over Brest in the first round of Ligue 1, the first of three times he has opened the scoring this league season.
Hot stat: Lens have lost only three of their last 52 Ligue 1 matches where they’ve scored the match opener (W38, D11).