Lens vs Marseille prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2023-05-05 19:00.
Manager Franck Haise admitted his Lens side made a “big push for the podium” after they ran out 1-0 winners against Coupe de France winners Toulouse on Tuesday, a sixth victory in seven Ligue 1 outings (L1) which extended their lead over fourth-placed Monaco to eight points with just five games remaining. They now battle it out here with another candidate for a UEFA Champions League placing in the shape of Marseille in what appears to be a crucial “six-pointer”, knowing that a win would actually see them leapfrog their opponents into second spot.
Fans therefore may be dreaming of a first top-two finish in Ligue 1 since 2001/02, and the visit of Marseille should be a good test of their progress after failing to win any of the previous four H2Hs at Stade Bollaert-Delelis (D1, L3). Home performances could continue to be key to stop that run, considering they sit top of the Ligue 1 home standings (W14, D1, L1).
The Olympians were on the cusp of suffering their first league loss in over two months last weekend, but two late strikes saved them from an embarrassing loss at Stade Velodrome against relegation-battling Auxerre (2-1). That win combined with PSG's loss against Lorient revived the race for the Ligue 1 title as OM now sit only five points behind the league leaders, although coach Igor Tudor remained cautious stating they’ll “see what happens”.
Tudor's men have showcased their ability to recover from poor starts, with their win against Auxerre contributing to the division’s best average point return (1.5) after conceding first this campaign (W5, D3, L4), which speaks volumes of the character within the group. Their impressive away campaign (W12, D3, L1) could be key to avoid suffering a first losing league double against Lens in over 20 years, after their 1-0 H2H home defeat in October.
Key battle: Lens’ Brice Samba has registered more clean sheets (14) in Ligue 1 this season than any other goalkeeper. Aiming to beat him will be Alexis Sánchez, who has led Marseille to victory in his seven goal-scoring away matches in 2022/23.
Hot streak: Marseille have lost their three Ligue 1 matches officiated by Clément Turpin this campaign.