Many of the strongest sides have reached the quarter-finals of the Coupe de France, but the Olympique Lyon vs Lens tie is probably the most evenly matched and ambitious.
Olympique Lyon
Both clubs are aiming for the UEFA Champions League places and are currently in that zone. They have both had setbacks in their last two Ligue 1 rounds, but they have to allow for that when they travel to the Orange Vélodrome. Lyon played well there (1.47 xG) but did not convert two of their four big chances. Olympique Marseille forced them back at the end and came away with a comeback 3:2 win. However, that defeat, like the previous 1:3 loss to Strasbourg Alsace, came away from home. At their own stadium Paulo Fonseca's side have nine wins in 11 Ligue 1 matches, including five in a row, and across all competitions opponents have left empty-handed on nine occasions.
Lens
Lens held on to first place in Ligue 1 for as long as they could. They deserve credit for keeping the title race alive, but the side also tailed off at the end of winter. Pierre Sage's team unexpectedly lost 2:3 at home to AS Monaco, who, as everyone saw, were in crisis. That result was a surprise precisely because it was at home. Immediately afterwards they failed to beat another team involved in European competition, Strasbourg Alsace, drawing 1:1 away. Their 4:2 win over Troyes AC in the Coupe de France round of 16 was a different level of test.
Olympique Lyon vs Lens Prediction
The last time they met in Lyon was in May 2025, when a not particularly motivated Lens beat a Lyon side pushing hard for the UEFA Champions League 2:1. Judging by this season, Lens have only become stronger, which is why they are priced almost level with Lyon. In this situation it looks more sensible to focus on the goal total, specifically the over 2.5 goals bet.
