Toulouse vs Lens prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2026-01-01 19:45.
[p]The first Ligue 1 match of 2026 sees a resurgent Toulouse side attempt to be the latest team to stop juggernauts Lens.[/p]
[p]Match News and Current Form[/p]
[p]Toulouse ended 2025 in fine fashion, winning all three of their games across all competitions. That perfect run means that Les Violets have lost just one of their last seven Ligue 1 matches heading into their first encounter of 2026 (W2, D4), and they will feel confident about continuing their strong form, as they last tasted defeat in their first league outing in a new year in 2020 (W4, D1 since). There may still be nerves among the home faithful though, considering that their side have won only four of their last 17 games at Stadium de Toulouse (D6, L7).[/p]
[p]Lens’ current winning streak is even better than Toulouse’s, as they emerged victorious from their most recent Coupe de France tie and their last six Ligue 1 matches. That league run has propelled them to the very top of the table, albeit they only enjoy a one-point lead over perennial champions Paris Saint-Germain, but the Blood and Gold will be confident of at least maintaining that margin having won four of their last five away games (L1). Worryingly though, they have lost their opening encounter of the calendar year in both of the last two seasons, most recently against Toulouse to begin 2025.[/p]
[p]Head-to-Head History[/p]
[p]After suffering six straight defeats to Lens prior to last season, Toulouse fought back with a win and a draw against them in Ligue 1 last term. [/p]
[p]Hot Stats and Streaks[/p]
[p]Only one of Toulouse’s last nine matches has been decided by more than a one-goal margin.[/p]
[p]Just one of Toulouse’s last five home games has seen both teams score.[/p]
[p]Lens are the only side yet to drop a point from a winning position in Ligue 1 this season (W12).[/p]
[p]Four of Lens’ last five away matches have featured more than 2.5 goals.[/p]
[p]Key Players to Watch and Missing Players[/p]
[p]Yann Gboho made it 1-0 to Toulouse in last season’s corresponding fixture (a 1-1 draw) – starting a run that has seen him score six of his last seven goals after half-time. Former Toulouse player Odsonne Édouard will be out to haunt his old club, and could do so early doors, having got the match opener before the 25th minute in five of his six goalscoring appearances for Lens. [/p]
[p]Toulouse saw Warren Kamanzi leave the pitch with an injury in their last game, so he is a doubt for this fixture. Lens seemingly have no fresh absentees. [/p]
[p]For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.[/p]
[p]Betting Analysis[/p]
[p]The visitors have significant momentum and will take some stopping, making a straight bet on Lens to win here a potentially great way to profit from their form. [/p]
[p][i]Author: Peter Stavrinou[/i][/p]