Undefeated Lyon have their eyes set firmly on the top spot in Ligue 1 and could reach the summit by beating an out-of-sorts Lens side on Friday night.
Match News and Current Form
Some Lens fans could be forgiven for dreading the return of club football following the latest international break as they have seen their side claim just four points through their opening five Ligue 1 matches as well as the departure of manager Dino Toppmöller. His successor Yannick Cahuzac fell to defeat on his managerial debut when they lost 2-1 to Monaco, and he will now meet the Lens faithful hoping to help the hosts avoid losing consecutive home league outings for the first time since April 2025. In order to do that some defensive improvement is desperately needed, as only three sides have conceded more French top-flight goals than their nine this season, which is also their third-most after five matches of a campaign this century.
Visiting Lyon have enjoyed a much stronger start to their 2026/27 campaign and return to action sat second in Ligue 1 and remain as one of only three sides still to be beaten in the competition through five matches (W3, D2). Not since 2012/13 have they remained undefeated through their opening six outings of a league season, and courtesy of their 4-0 win over Rennes last round, they’re the joint-most prolific scoring side of the division with ten goals. They also possess the competition’s meanest defence at present, having conceded just two goals, and will be looking to keep three consecutive away clean sheets in league action for the first time since November 2017 here.
Head-to-Head History
Lens have won four of their last six Ligue 1 matches against Lyon, as many as across their previous 28 encounters combined (D7, L17).
Hot Stats and Streaks
Lens recorded 4+ shots on target in each of their last 11 league fixtures.
Lens won only two of their last seven Ligue 1 matches as betting favourites (D3, L2).
Eleven of Lyon’s last 15 games in all competitions produced over 2.5 total goals.
Fourteen of Lyon’s last 16 league games have seen them attempt 10+ shots.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Against no side has Florian Thauvin netted more goals than against Lyon (G7), both scoring and assisting in each of his last two H2Hs. Ernest Nuamah struck a brace in his last appearance for Lyon, while three of his five goals for club and country this season have served as match openers.
Lens are still without a number of players including midfield duo Amadou Haidara and Yacine Titraoui, while defender Moussa Niakhaté remains sidelined for Lyon.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
Given both sides’ recent form, backing Lyon to win and both teams to score could be a solid bet.
Author: Nathan Evans
