Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Ligue 1 match.
The hosts begin the season without Will Still, now under the guidance of Pierre Sage, who previously steered Lyon clear of relegation. For the 46-year-old, this is a particularly significant match against his former club. Lyon avoided demotion via appeal and kept their place in European competition, but will open the campaign without suspended Paulo Fonseca.
RC Lens
Lens finished last season in eighth — their lowest position since 2020, yet still above mid-table. Over the summer, the team played seven friendlies, losing only to AS Roma (0:2) and beating RB Leipzig (2:1). At home in the last league campaign, they collected just 44% of their points — the lowest such figure in the club’s Ligue 1 history.
Olympique Lyonnais
After a financial crisis and threat of relegation, Lyon secured their Ligue 1 status and ended the season in sixth, challenging for a Champions League spot in the run-in. In pre-season, they were beaten only by Bayern Munich (1:2). Away to Lens since 2020, they have two defeats and three draws.
RC Lens vs Olympique Lyonnais Prediction
Both teams come into this in good shape, but the early-season caution of Sage and Fonseca’s absence on the visitors’ bench make a high-scoring contest unlikely. Head-to-head meetings are often close affairs without heavy scorelines. The best call is under 3.5 goals, a bet that has landed in eight of the last nine league encounters between these sides.
