Clermont vs Lens prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2023-11-24 16:00.
After a winless seven-game start to the Ligue 1 2023/24 campaign (D2, L5), Clermont look to have finally turned a corner by securing victories in two of their last four outings (D1, L1) to sit just three points adrift of safety ahead of this round. With a game in hand and considering the tightly contested nature of the Ligue 1 standings this season, Clermont will hope building on that improving form could see them swiftly climb up into the top half.
The 1-0 win over Lorient before the international break, described as "essential" by coach Pascal Gastien, highlighted Clermont's defensive improvement, securing their third clean sheet in five matches. However, maintaining this streak presents a daunting challenge, given the historical context – the Lanciers have not managed a single clean sheet in the past eight competitive H2Hs against their visitors, resulting in three draws and five losses.
That extremely positive recent H2H record is an additional source of confidence for Lens, who have not suffered a defeat in their last seven league outings (W4, D3), capped off by a 1-0 victory against Marseille two weeks ago. Despite their current impressive run, Franck Haise's men are still playing catch up due to their slow winless start to the season (D1, L4) and come into the round four points adrift of the top five.
Similar to their hosts, a strong defence has been integral to that change in fortunes, with five clean sheets in the Blood and Gold’s last six league matches, including a notable streak of three consecutive away shutouts (W1, D2). So Haise's priority might be to strengthen Lens' frontline, which has scored only four away league goals this season, that is as many as they managed in their last visit to this venue (4-0) in March!
Players to watch: Clermont’s Muhammed Cham could have an early impact on the match, having opened the scoring in four of his last six goalscoring appearances. Aiming to eclipse him will be Lens’ Morgan Guilavogui, who has scored six of his eight previous goals on the road.
Hot stat: Since the beginning of last season, Lens have lost just two of their 18 Ligue 1 away games that saw them start as favourites (W6, D10, L2).