Lille vs Lens Prediction & Betting Tips - Ligue 1

Prediction published on 29/03/2024, 07:47  by Sridhar in Ligue 1 Predictions

The battle for Champions League qualification spots in Ligue 1 will witness an interesting clash this week as Lille hosts Lens. This game will be played at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Villeneuve-d'Ascq on Friday. Lille are currently fourth in the standings with 43 points, while the visitors are sixth with 42 points. The top three teams qualify directly for the Champions League group stage, while the fourth-placed team will play in the third qualifying round. Lille can bridge the gap to third-placed Monaco, but will be nervously glancing over their shoulder, as the two teams below them are only behind by a single point. Recent form hasn’t helped, as they drew their last three games, including one in the Europa Conference League. They are in the quarterfinals of the continental competition, but Ligue 1 remains a priority. Playing at this venue is perhaps the best way to calm those nerves, as Lille are unbeaten across their last nine home league games.

Lens went into the international break with a 3-1 defeat to another top-four contender, Nice, halting a two-game winning run. The visitors are currently occupying the Conference League play-off round berth, but a win could see them replace their hosts in the top four. The reverse fixture ended 1-1, which meant Lens had lost only one of their last six matches against Lille. That said, Lens have struggled against teams in the top half of the table, losing four and drawing one of their last six matches against such teams. Lens have given themselves a good chance of beating that rut, as they come armed with a steady away record. The visitors have lost only one of their last ten away league games, winning five and drawing four.