Jason Collins
Dailysports's expert
Lens
Strasbourg
On February 16, Lens and Strasbourg will meet in a key Ligue 1 clash, with both teams aiming to strengthen their positions in the race for European qualification. Here’s my detailed analysis and betting prediction for this fixture.
Lens
Lens has struggled with consistency this season, making it difficult to secure a stable position in the European spots. They currently sit seventh, level on points with sixth-placed Lyon, but four points behind the top four.
In their last match, Lens suffered a 0-2 defeat to Nice, conceding a goal in each half and playing with 10 men for over 30 minutes.
To stay in contention for European qualification, Lens must pick up points in every match, especially against direct rivals like Strasbourg.
Strasbourg
Strasbourg has had a strong season, sitting ninth in the table, only three points behind the top six.
They secured a 2-0 home win over Montpellier in their last match, continuing a great run of form—losing only one of their last eight Ligue 1 matches (5 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss).
Although Strasbourg was eliminated from the Coupe de France (1-3 vs. Angers), their league performances have been impressive, and they remain outside contenders for a European place.
Probable lineups
- Lens: Koffi, Machado, Fulgini, Sarr, Gradit, Sotoca, Diouf, El Aynaoui, Thomasson, Koyalipou, Nzola.
- Strasbourg: Petrovic, Sarr, Omobamidele, Doucouré, Barcola, André Santos, Moreira, Nanasi, Lemarechal, Eméga.
Match facts
- Lens at home: 4 wins, 4 losses, 2 draws.
- Strasbourg away: 2 wins, 6 losses, 3 draws.
- Betting odds: Lens 1.81 | Draw 3.85 | Strasbourg 4.40.
Head-to-head (H2H)
First-leg result: Lens and Strasbourg drew 2-2 in a highly competitive match.
Prediction
This is a direct battle between two teams fighting for a European place, with just three points separating them in the standings.
Lens is favored, mainly due to home advantage, but Strasbourg is in better form, making this a very even contest.
Given both teams’ attacking capabilities and their history of high-scoring matches, I expect both teams to find the net. Best bet: Both teams to score (BTTS – Yes).
