Strasbourg vs Lens prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2023-09-28 19:00.
After their 1-0 victory against Metz in the Derby de l'Est last weekend, Strasbourg now sit sixth in Ligue 1 (L1) with just a three-point gap separating them from unexpected table-toppers Brest. Patrick Vieira's men are replicating the same start to the L1 season that they made in 2007/08 (W3, D1, L2), but they must maintain their form this time because that specific campaign concluded with their relegation to Ligue 2!
After the Metz match, Vieira stated that his team had to ‘score sooner’ in games, with Strasbourg being one of two teams in France’s top flight that are yet to score before half-time this term. They could put an end to this early drought here against Lens, as the Alsace outfit have found the net in the first 20 minutes in three out of the last four home H2Hs (W2, D1, L1).
Their recent 1-1 draw in their Champions League opener in Seville appears to have boosted Lens' confidence, as they ultimately secured their maiden victory of the season, beating Toulouse 2-1 on Sunday (D1, L4). The situation remains concerning for the Blood and Gold however, as they were relegated to L2 on the last occasion they accumulated five points or fewer after the opening six L1 matchdays in 2010/11.
Manager Franck Haise hopes that last weekend’s landmark win "will provide the right relaxation" for his players, who will be aiming to claim their first away point of the 2023/24 L1 campaign (L3). Haise's top priority will be to strengthen Lens' backline, which has conceded three goals in each of their three away matches so far this season, thus contributing to the worst defensive away record in the league of nine against.
Players to watch: Strasbourg will hope Emanuel Emegha can find the net after the youngster helped his team to victory in 12 of his previous 13 goalscoring matches (D1). Meanwhile, Lens might rely on Przemysław Frankowski to get off to a good start, considering he has opened the scoring in five of the last seven games in which he has scored, including at home to Strasbourg last term.
Hot stat: Five of the previous seven L1 H2Hs have witnessed the opening goal scored in the first 20 minutes.