Le Havre vs Lens prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2023-10-19 19:00.
After winning promotion to Ligue 1 last season, Le Havre enjoyed somewhat of a new division bounce, avoiding defeat in five of their opening six matches in 2023/24 (W2, D3, L1). Optimism has steadily deteriorated since, with consecutive losses âto nilâ against Lille (2-0) and Marseille (3-0) before the international break, their first two matches against sides that finished in last seasonâs top-five.
On paper, it certainly appears that things wonât get any easier for Luka Elsner's men this week as they welcome a third-straight team from that category in Lens, who finished as runners-up in Ligue 1 last season. And it could be another "all or nothing" performance from the hosts, as Le HAC are on an incredible streak of 32 home Ligue 1 matches without a draw (W11, L21), dating back to 2003! That was also the year of their last home H2H defeat (W5, D3 since), which should at least give them some confidence they can avoid a third straight defeat this season.
After their worst-ever five-game start to a Ligue 1 campaign (D1, L4), Lens have regained control with a three-match unbeaten run in the league (W2, D1), culminating in a 1-1 draw in the Derby du Nord against Lille. Nonetheless, coach Franck Haise expressed âgreat disappointmentâ after the game, particularly after his players had achieved a remarkable feat just days before by defeating Arsenal 2-1 in the UEFA Champions League.
Those two results continued a peculiar trend too, as Lens managed to secure points despite conceding first in four of their previous five competitive outings (W2, D2), which speaks volumes of the character within the group. In a stat that implies they should at least get a point, the Blood and Gold have avoided defeat in their six top-flight away games against newly-promoted sides since their last promotion (W4, D2).
Players to watch: Le Havre will hope Nabil Alioui can find the net given they avoided defeat in the last 17 games he scored in (W14, D3), including two home wins this term. Meanwhile, Lens might look to Elye Wahi to make the difference here, considering each of his seven previous league goals came on the road.
Hot stat: Lens have failed to score just once across their previous 15 Ligue 1 road trips.