Lorient vs. Lens: Preview and betting tips

A really poor Thursday football programme will at least offer a French Cup match between Lorient and Lens. What to expect from the match between two teams that have been a pleasant surprise in the Ligue 1 season so far?

Lorient, with only one win from the last five rounds, stumbled a bit in the fight for the cups, yet they are holding on to a nice seventh place in the table, which guarantees the Conference League preliminary round. They have a two-point lead over eighth-placed Nice.

Lens, in its best season in recent years, has also eased up, with a draw and two losses in the last three rounds dropping Marseille to second place. They are only a point behind in third place compared to second, which guarantees direct qualification to the Champions League.

Lorient’s key figures

The home side rely on offensive midfielder Enzo Le Fée, the French Under-21 international has scored four times and assisted five times. Nigerian spearhead striker Terem Moffi has been on a rampage, netting 12 goals already.

Key figures for Lens

The visitors are led offensively by striker Loïs Openda, the 22-year-old Belgian international has scored nine times and assisted once. The midfield is held by African midfielder Sekou Fofana, author of four goals and four assists.

Lorient’s defensive woes, with 34 goals conceded, is clearly the worst defence in the first half of the table. It has scored more than one goal in three of the last five league rounds, and even got four from Reims.

Lens, on the other hand, is the best defender ever. Even star-studded PSG have scored fewer goals than them (16). It has scored more than one goal in only one of its last 22 games, which is truly admirable.

Considering Lens’ excellent defence, Lorient’s defensive woes and the visitors’ season-long sovereignty, I think they will win the game and advance, either in regulation time or in extra time.

Source: French Cup, Livesport