Lens Form and Squad
The team of Pierre Sage at the Bollaert-Delelis boasts the best home form in Ligue 1: 13 wins in the last 14 home league matches with just one defeat. After the first half of the season Lens had the best defence in the championship, and goalkeeper Robin Risser made the UNFP shortlist for goalkeeper of the season. On their own pitch the hosts score a lot and often early: in four of their last five home matches in all competitions Lens were already in front by half-time.
Key numbers:
1.96 xG and 18.07 shots per home match — the basis for constant pressure.
On average at home Lens score 2.27 goals and concede 0.73.
In 47% of home matches the team have kept a clean sheet, and have failed to score in only 7%.
Potential lineup (3-4-3): Robin Risser — Ismaelo Ganiu, Samson Baidoo, Malang Sarr — Ruben Aguilar, Amadou Haidara, Andrija Bulatovic, Mathieu Udol — Florian Thauvin, Odsonne Edouard, Allan Saint-Maximin.
Absentees: Regis Gurtner, Jonathan Gradit and Kilian Antonio — injuries; Adrien Thomasson, Mamadou Sangare and Saud Abdulhamid — suspensions.
Nantes Form and Squad
Nantes are 17th and sit in the automatic relegation zone with 23 points. In the last round the Canaries finally claimed their first win under Halilhodzic — 3:0 against Marseille, but that is their only success in eight matches. Away from home things are really poor: two wins and nine defeats, 24 goals conceded and an almost non-existent positional attack — just 3.1 corners per away game.
Key numbers:
In terms of shots on target — 105 in 32 rounds, one of the lowest volumes in the championship.
The team allow 1.67 xG away from home and concede 6.13 corners.
Over the season Nantes have failed to score in 13 Ligue 1 matches.
Potential lineup (4-3-3): Patrik Carlgren — Frederic Guilbert, Chidozie Awaziem, Sekou Doucoure, Nicolas Cozza — Johann Lepenant, Mohamed Kaba, Ibrahima Sissoko — Mathys Abline, Ignatius Ganago, Remy Cabella.
Absentees: Fabien Centonze, Kelvin Amian, Abakar Sylla, Deiver Machado and Tilel Tati — injuries; Anthony Lopes — doubtful after a finger injury.
