Lorient vs Lens Match Analysis & Prediction
09/02/2023 11:00 pm
Lorient have an opportunity to qualify for the last eight in the Coupe de France for the first time since 2015-16 when they host Lens at Stade Yves Allainmat – Le Moustoir on Thursday.
This will be the first time Lorient feature in the round of 16 of this competition since losing 2-1 to Bordeaux in 2016-17, while Lens are at this stage of the Coupe de France for a second successive campaign, losing 4-2 at home to Monaco last season.
Lorient extended their unbeaten run at home to three straight matches on Sunday, though they will see that goalless draw against bottom-placed Angers as a missed opportunity, managing just two shots on target throughout the game.
Reaching this stage of the competition required a lot of nerve as Lorient conceded an equalising goal to Ligue 2 side Bastia with fewer than 10 minutes remaining in the round of 32, though they kept their cool in the penalty shootout, winning 4-1 in a game that ended up tied at one after 120 minutes.
Heading into the contest, Regis Le Bris’ side have not succeeded against a Ligue 1 opponent in this competition since beating Brest 2-1 in extra time during the 2019-20 edition when they were in Ligue 2.
Lorient have only suffered one defeat in their previous eight meetings at home with Lens, beating them 2-1 in the league last season, although Thursday will represent the first time both teams meet in the Coupe de France.
A domestic campaign full of promise has met a hitch for Lens, who are now winless in three successive league matches, drawing Brest 1-1 on Sunday.
That has put a dent in their title aspirations, as they currently trail league leaders Paris Saint-Germain by five points after being within a victory of catching them a few weeks ago.
While their form away from home lately has not been great, Franck Haise did see his side win both of their Coupe de France matches this season on the road, beating Linas-Montlhery 2-0 in early January and following that up with a 3-1 victory over Brest.
Lens have not made the quarter-finals of the Coupe de France since 2017-18, when they were in Ligue 2 and lost in the last eight to Les Herbiers EF on penalties.
Lorient vs. Lens Head to head
In the 27 previous meetings between these two teams across all competitions, Lorient have claimed 11 victories while Lens have won six, and they have drawn in 10. Lens have scored 37 goals and conceded 39 in the process.
-
13/09/2020Lorient2Lens3Ligue 1
-
11/04/2021Lens4Lorient1Ligue 1
-
29/08/2021Lens2Lorient2Ligue 1
-
06/02/2022Lorient2Lens0Ligue 1
-
31/08/2022Lens5Lorient2Ligue 1
Lorient Team News
Ibrahima Kone scored the only goal for Lorient in their previous Coupe de France game against Bastia, while Vito Mannone stopped one penalty with another sailing over the bar, enabling captain Laurent Abergel to score the winner.
Abergel will be sidelined until the end of the month due to a groin strain, while Julien Laporte is out until April with a problem in his knee.
Lorient's Last 5 Matches
-
14/01/2023Marseille3Lorient1Ligue 1
-
21/01/2023Bastia1Lorient1(P)Coupe de France
-
27/01/2023Lorient2Rennes1Ligue 1
-
01/02/2023Reims4Lorient2Ligue 1
-
05/02/2023Lorient0Angers0Ligue 1
Lens Team News
Lens’ Brice Samba is second in Ligue 1 regarding clean sheets, though backup goalkeeper Jean-Louis Leca has started both of their Coupe de France matches this season.
Wuilker Farinez and Jimmy Cabot are both out for the long-term with ACL problems, Adam Buksa remains sidelined with a sprained ankle, while Massadio Haidara has a calf strain.
Lens's Last 5 Matches
-
14/01/2023Lens1Auxerre0Ligue 1
-
22/01/2023Brest1Lens3Coupe de France
-
28/01/2023Troyes1Lens1Ligue 1
-
01/02/2023Lens0Nice1Ligue 1
-
05/02/2023Brest1Lens1Ligue 1
Lorient vs. Lens: Odds and Predictions
Main Prediction
1X2: 2
Best Odds
200% bonus up to Ksh 26,280
Register at Melbet and get a 200% first deposit bonus of up to 26,280 KES
CLAIM BONUS
