Lens vs Nantes prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2023-02-18 16:05.
Having been seen by some as the pinnacle of consistency this Ligue 1 season by succumbing to only a single defeat in their first 20 games of the season (W13, D6), Lens have since faltered somewhat by tripling their loss tally across their last three league matches (D1, L2). The result is Franck Haiseâs side have âslumpedâ to fourth in the table, after occupying second place for a prolonged period.
Even through these troubling times, the Blood and Gold still possess the leagueâs most rigorous defence with only 18 goals conceded this Ligue 1 campaign. That, combined with their impressive record of going 15 home matches without defeat (W13, D2) before a 1-0 loss to Nice in their last home game, will give fans at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis faith that their team can get back on track here and continue their march towards a first European appearance since 2007/08.
Visitors Nantes may be lingering down in 13th place in Ligue 1, but recent performances show they shouldnât just be making up the numbers in this match. They proved themselves on the European stage by impressively drawing 1-1 away to Italian giants Juventus in midweek, and while they conceded in that match, manager and former defender Antoine KombouarĂ© will still be pleased with his sideâs recent Ligue 1 defensive displays, after keeping seven clean sheets in their last eight league games (W4, D3, L1).
Four of those clean sheets have come in the Canariesâ last four games on the road (W2, D2), which is their longest stint of top-flight away matches without conceding. Theyâll now look to one-up their hosts and finally end a winless away H2H run that stretches back seven Ligue 1 visits to Lens (D3, L4).
Players to watch: With PrzemysĆaw Frankowski scoring the opening goal in Lensâ last two home victories, an early strike from the Polish midfielder could be the beginning of the end for the clubâs current winless league run. Nantes have their own potential catalyst in the form of Ludovic Blas whoâs now scored three goals in his last four games, with four of his last six all coming away from home.
Hot stat: Lens and Nantes have both seen a league-high of 15 draws at half-time this season.