Como thrashed Man Utd — will Lens be next? Prediction for Lens vs. Como
On November 4, Lens will host Como in the fourth round of the Champions League league phase. The French side have collected three points and sit outside the playoff places, while the Italian debutants, with six points, remain in contention for a place in the next round. The visitors head into the match on a run of five straight wins, while the hosts need to end their run of European struggles.
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Lens: two Champions League defeats and defensive problems
Lens opened their European campaign with a comeback win over Slavia Prague (3-2), but then suffered two defeats without scoring — against Sporting (0-2) and Club Brugge (0-3). The team have now failed to keep a clean sheet in 16 consecutive Champions League matches. Following a poor start to the season, the French club changed managers: Yannick Cahuzac took charge in place of Dino Toppmöller. Under his guidance, Lens won three league matches, but lost to Lille (0-1) in the last round and dropped to ninth place.
The injury situation is complicating the hosts’ preparations. Defenders Ismaelo Ganiou and Mike Nawrocki, as well as forwards Abdallah Sima and Odsonne Édouard, are all sidelined. The latter has undergone surgery and may not return until 2027. Jhoanner Chávez’s involvement remains in doubt. Franjo Ivanović and Florian Thauvin will carry the main attacking burden. Thauvin has created 15 chances in three Champions League matches — more than any other player in the competition.
Como: five straight wins and historic Champions League success
Cesc Fàbregas’ side have emerged as one of the biggest surprises of this European campaign. After beating RB Leipzig (4-1), the Italians lost to Feyenoord (2-3), but then stunned Manchester United with a 4-1 thrashing. The debutants have scored ten goals in three matches, all from open play. Since their defeat in Rotterdam, Como have won five consecutive matches in all competitions, scoring 13 goals and conceding three. In Serie A, the team sit fourth with 23 points after ten rounds.
The visitors’ main attacking leaders are Nico Paz and Tasos Douvikas. Between them, they have scored five Champions League goals, with the Greek forward finding the net in all three matches. However, Fàbregas will be without the injured Moise Kean, Trevoh Chalobah, Jesús Rodríguez and Assane Diao. Jayden Addai is also doubtful. Despite their absences, Como have looked confident in attack and are capable of creating chances against opponents of varying levels.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Lens have failed to keep a clean sheet in 16 consecutive Champions League matches
- Como have won their last five matches in all competitions with an aggregate goal difference of 13:3
- The Italians scored first in all three of their league-phase Champions League matches
Will Como extend their winning streak: prediction for Lens vs. Como
Lens find themselves in a difficult situation after two consecutive defeats. Defensive problems and a lengthy injury list are limiting the French side’s options, although the support of the home crowd could help them create several dangerous chances.
Como look far more convincing. Fàbregas’ team score regularly, start matches quickly and have already proven their competitiveness by thrashing Manchester United. Given the opponents’ current form, we expect an entertaining match with the Italian club holding the edge.
