Lens VS Marseille, Lens to win

Match Time：2/4/2021 04:00 Thursday  (GMT+8)

France Ligue 1 --  Lens   VS   Marseille

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Marseille will be looking to bring an end to their four-match losing run in Ligue 1 when they travel to Lens on Wednesday evening.  Les Phoceens have been on a terrible run that has seen them slip down to ninth, two points behind opponents Lens having played two games fewer, leading to a fan revolt.  

 

Match preview 

Marseille were sitting fourth in the division just six weeks ago, but a return of five points from the last 24 on offer has ended any lingering title aspirations.   Indeed, with 18 games of their league campaign to go, the main focus for boss Andre Villas-Boas now is to make up the deficit on the top four to qualify for the Champions League.  

 

Even if the Portuguese achieves that, however, he will not be around to guide Marseille into Europe again next season.  The frustrated former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea manager announced last week that he will leave the club at the end of the campaign.  

 

After going four matches without a win and losing the last three of those, most recently going down 3-1 to Monaco, Marseille desperately need to stop the rut.  Tensions boiled over at the weekend as around 300 supporters stormed the club's training ground, forcing the postponement of the meeting with Rennes.   

 

Lens will be aiming to inflict further misery on their visitors as they look to keep themselves in contention for a European spot.   

 

The Blood and Gold have enjoyed an impressive first campaign back in the French top flight, winning 10 and drawing four of their 22 matches thus far.  A 2-1 win at Montpellier on Saturday leaves Lens seventh in the division, and they will head into this showdown with Marseille full of confidence.  

 

Franck Haise's charges won the reverse fixture 1-0 last month to end a five-game winless streak against Les Phoceens - Simon Banza scoring the only goal at the Stade Velodrome.  Another victory on Wednesday and the hosts will have every right to dream of European football. Defeat for Marseille, meanwhile, and Villas-Boas's exit may come even sooner than expected.  

 

Lens Ligue 1 form: LLDWLW  

Marseille Ligue 1 form: LWDLLL

Marseille form (all competitions): WDLLLL  

 

Team News  

Lens remain without defender Cheick Traore, while attacking midfielder Ignatius Ganago missed the win over Montpellier.  

 

Jonathan Gradit also missed that most recent match through suspension but is now back in contention, while Massadio Haidara is among those pushing for a recall.  Gael Kakuta scored against Montpellier to take his tally for the season to nine goals in 22 outings and seems certain to start again on Wednesday.  

 

As for Marseille, they have been given an extra week's rest following the postponement of the Rennes match.  Jordan Amavi and Boubacar Kamara may be back in contention, though Villas-Boas is unlikely to risk the fitness of either player.  After returning from injury last time out, Steve Mandanda will once again get the nod in goal.  

 

Lens possible starting lineup: 

Leca; Michelin, Fortes, Medina; Clauss, Doucoure, Fofana, Haidara; Kakuta; Sotoca, Banza  

 

Marseille possible starting lineup: 

Mandanda; Lirola, Gonzalez, Caleta-Car, Sakai; Balerdi, Gueye; Thauvin, Cuisance, Radonjic; Benedetto    

 

Lens 1-0 Marseille