Can Lyon extend their unbeaten run? Prediction for the match against Lens on October 9
Friday, October 9, will bring French football fans a thrilling and intriguing clash in the sixth round of Ligue 1: at the famous Stade Bollaert-Delelis, local side Lens will host Lyon. This encounter carries huge significance for both teams, who are pursuing completely different objectives at the start of the domestic campaign.
Lens have made a truly disastrous start to the current championship. After five matches, Les Sang et Or have collected just 4 points and sit only 15th in the table. The team are experiencing serious problems with finishing and continue to make mistakes in defence, triggering a wave of criticism from the supporters. In the upcoming home fixture, the coaching staff's charges have nowhere left to retreat: they will have to raise the tempo from the opening whistle, take risks and try to turn around their disappointing season through intense pressing.
Lyon, by contrast, are enjoying an excellent run and deservedly occupy second place in the table, having picked up 11 points from their five matches. Les Gones are playing balanced, fast-paced and entertaining football, looking assured both in possession and in the final third. Fonseca's charges head into the away game as favourites, boasting greater squad depth and an excellent psychological atmosphere, allowing the team to impose their conditions at any venue.
The tactical script is likely to be shaped by the hosts' early onslaught, as they need to score. Lyon will calmly weather that spell in a mid-block before responding with their trademark counterattacks down the flanks.
Prediction
Lyon went into the break among the league leaders and had been displaying consistent, confident football. I believe this trend will continue. My prediction: Lyon Asian handicap (0) at 1.95
