Get ready for an exciting Ligue 1 showdown this Friday as Lens host Nantes at the iconic Stade Bollaert-Delelis for Matchday 33. With the season heating up, both teams have plenty to play for—but they're coming from very different places in the table.
Lens are flying high in second place with 64 points, proving they're serious contenders this season. After a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Nice last time out, Pierre Sage's squad will be eager to get back to winning ways in front of their home crowd. And what a fortress they've built: Lens are unbeaten in their last four home matches, winning all of them, and they've scored in 16 straight games at home. That's the kind of form that makes any opponent nervous.
On the other side, Nantes are fighting for survival. Sitting in 17th place with just 23 points, every match is a must-win. But there's a glimmer of hope—they pulled off a stunning 3-0 victory over Marseille in their last outing, a result that could spark a turnaround. However, their away form tells a different story: Nantes have won just one of their last eight matches on the road and are currently on a seven-game winless streak away from home, including two straight defeats.
The head-to-head history leans in Lens' favor, with Pierre Sage boasting a perfect record against Nantes manager Ahmed Kantari (one win from one meeting). Overall, Sage has faced Nantes five times, winning four and drawing once. The last time these two met, Lens came out on top with a 2-1 victory.
Here's a look at the likely lineups based on recent matches:
Lens: Robin Risser, Ismaëlo Ganiou, Samson Baidoo, Malang Sarr, Saud Abdulhamid, Adrien Thomasson, Mamadou Sangaré, Matthieu Udol, Florian Thauvin, Odsonne Édouard, Allan Saint-Maximin
Nantes: Patrik Carlgren, Frédéric Guilbert, Nicolas Cozza, Chidozie Awaziem, Deiver Machado, Ibrahima Sissoko, Johann Lepenant, Matthis Abline, Mohamed Kaba, Rémy Cabella, Ignatius Ganago
Key stats to watch: Lens have lost just four of their last 26 matches overall and have scored in four straight games. They've also conceded in seven consecutive matches, so Nantes might find some opportunities. At home, Lens have only lost once in their last 16 games—a daunting stat for any visiting team. Meanwhile, Nantes have just one win in their last nine matches overall and are desperate to turn things around.
With Lens chasing glory at the top and Nantes battling to escape the drop zone, this Friday's clash promises drama, intensity, and plenty of action. Will Lens continue their dominant run, or can Nantes build on that big win over Marseille? One thing's for sure—you won't want to miss it.