Home strength against inconsistent visitors: Lens vs Sporting prediction
The second-round clash of the Champions League league phase between Lens and Sporting CP of Lisbon will take place on Tuesday at the “Bollaert-Delelis” stadium. Both teams began the tournament with victories, but they have looked far from consistent in their domestic leagues so far.
Lens: the team is traditionally dangerous at home
Since Yannick Cahuzac took charge, the hosts have been gradually finding their feet. Lens lost 1-2 to Monaco, then beat Standard 2-0 in a friendly before returning to Ligue 1 with a 2-1 victory over Lyon.
The squad is still far from ideal: Jean-Clair Todibo and Abdallah Sima are unavailable, while Jonathan Gradit remains a doubt. On the other hand, Samson Baidoo, Amadou Haidara, Michal Skuras and Franjo Ivanovic should arrive for the match feeling fresher.
Sporting: the results are there, but the defense is letting them down
Rui Borges’ side beat Braga 3-1 ahead of their trip to France, although the match itself was rather chaotic and heavily influenced by deflections. Sporting also won 3-1 in the opening round of the Champions League, despite trailing their opponents in possession and chances created.
The visitors’ main problem is defensive reliability. Sporting have kept just two clean sheets in nine official matches this season, while results such as the 2-2 draws with Arouca and Estrela underline their inconsistency.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Lens are unbeaten in their last six home matches in the Champions League.
- Sporting have won just one of their last nine away matches in the Champions League.
- At least three goals have been scored in nine of Sporting’s last 12 Champions League matches.
Both sides should score: Lens vs Sporting prediction
Lens have traditionally been a formidable force at home in European competition, but their personnel issues and defensive problems make it difficult to view the hosts as clear favorites. Sporting, meanwhile, also give their opponents too many chances and have yet to show they can consistently close out matches.
In terms of quality and current form, the teams look fairly evenly matched, while both sides’ weaknesses lie in defense. As a result, the most logical scenario appears to be a high-scoring draw.
