Lens - Arsenal predictions and free betting tips [03/10/2023]

On Tuesday, Lens will host Arsenal within the 2nd round of the Champions League group stage at the “Bollaert-Delelis” stadium in Lens. 

Expected Line-ups

Lens: Samba, Danso, Medina, Gradi, Aguilar, Machado, Diouf, Mendy, Sotoca, Vai, Fofana.

Arsenal: Raya, Saliba, White, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Odegaard, Havertz, Rice, Saka, Jesus, Nketiah.

Lens

Last season's vice-champion was at the bottom of the league table prior to its Champions League debut, but managed to secure two consecutive victories – 2:1 against "Toulouse" and 1:0 against "Strasbourg". Head Coach Frank Haise has had to search for new player combinations after the departure of Fofana and Orlandi, but the French squad showcased respectable football in their first-round match against "Sevilla", which ended in a 1:1 draw. The "Blood and Gold" gave a fight to the experienced European contender, with their only goal scored by Fofana. "Lens" still has a good chance of advancing from the group, displaying a completely different set of tactics in the Champions League compared to Ligue 1. The French team is struggling with scoring, with Vai yet to fully replace Orlandi, who left for Bundesliga.

Arsenal

Under Arteta, "Arsenal" has returned to the Champions League and is challenging "Manchester City" in the England's Premier League. The "Gunners" are currently ranking third in the EPL, with 17 points, trailing Guardiola's squad by a single point. In the previous round, they defeated "Bournemouth" 4:0, with Havertz scoring his first goal since transferring from the penalty spot. Martin Odegaard also had a solid performance. In the Champions League, "Arsenal" crushed PSV on their home ground 4:0, marking a flamboyant return to Europe's top club competition. After Wenger's departure, the "Gunners" haven't made it to the Champions League for 7 years. "Arsenal" showcased bright football, and the English press started to speculate on a potential tournament victory. The London squad has remained undefeated in 10 successive matches. However, Arteta still struggles to clinch victories where due – his strikers suffer from a low conversion rate: "Arsenal" typically starts off strong, but fails to convert their advantage into goals. This was particularly evident in the match against "Fulham", which ended in a 2:2 draw.

Head-to-Head

The opponents have faced each other in 5 matches – "Lens" has 1 win and 2 losses, and these encounters usually aren't high-scoring affairs. The last time they crossed paths was in a friendly match in 2016, which ended in a 1:1 draw.

Lens - Arsenal match prediction

The French club shows signs of recovery, and at the "Bollaert-Delelis" Arena, "Arsenal" will face a chilly reception. We're betting on a high-scoring draw.