Lens vs Lyon Prediction 16.08.2025

Lens vs Lyon Prediction and Betting Tips for the Ligue 1 opener this Saturday at Stade Bollaert-Delelis. Lens welcome Lyon after a summer of managerial change and squad shuffles. Pierre Sage takes charge in his first competitive top-flight match with his former club in the opposition. In this article, you’ll discover Ligue 1 Predictions from XpertStats tipsters, offering insights into team form, key absences, and likely outcomes.

• Lens kick off their Ligue 1 campaign at home against Lyon on Saturday, aiming to build on their impressive preseason form.
• Lyon head into the opener under the shadow of managerial absence, with Fonseca serving a ban until next month.
• Les Sang et Or are unbeaten at home against Lyon since 2021, a streak they’ll be keen to maintain.
• Both teams lost just one preseason friendly, showing competitive readiness for the Ligue 1 opener.

Lens enter the new season after a strong preseason, losing just once in seven matches, a 2-0 reverse to Roma. The hosts bounced back with a 2-1 win over RB Leipzig, showing off a new attacking setup with Florian Thauvin likely to spearhead their 3-4-3 formation. Defensively, Lens have had to rebuild, with key departures including Kevin Danso and Facundo Medina. Still, additions like Samson Baidoo and the return of Thauvin hint at a side ready to mix youth and experience effectively. Can Sage translate preseason momentum into a strong league start? That’s the big question on Saturday.

Lyon, meanwhile, face an unusual start to the campaign, with manager Paulo Fonseca banned until next month. His assistant Jorge Maciel has overseen the squad in the meantime, guiding Les Gones to a solid sixth-place finish last season. Preseason form mirrors Lens, with just one loss in five friendlies, including a final 2-1 win over Getafe. Key absences persist, with Ernest Nuamah sidelined by ACL injury and Orel Mangala unavailable, but new signing Tyler Morton could provide a creative spark in midfield. Still, the question lingers: can Lyon find consistency without their head coach on the touchline?

Looking at the history between these sides, Lens have been tough opponents at home, unbeaten against Lyon since 2021 and winning three of the last four meetings at Stade Bollaert-Delelis. Lyon, however, have the upper hand in all-time head-to-heads with 45 wins to Lens’ 38. Recent encounters suggest goals are likely, with four of the last five meetings seeing over 2.5 goals. That said, Lens’ defensive adjustments and Lyon’s injury concerns make predicting a runaway win tricky. It’s a fixture that could easily swing on one moment of brilliance or a defensive lapse.

Lens’ lineup may feature Risser in goal, with Baidoo, Sarr, and Udol at the back. The midfield and attack, including Thomasson and Thauvin, offer creativity and experience. Lyon are likely to line up with Descamps in goal, a back four including Niakhate and Tagliafico, and attackers Mikautadze and Maitland-Niles pushing forward. With both sides eager to kick off on a positive note, expect a tense, energetic clash. Our latest Ligue 1 Predictions suggest that Lens’ home advantage and unbeaten streak against Lyon could prove decisive in this opener.

Overall, Saturday’s showdown promises drama, tactical intrigue, and flashes of individual brilliance. Lens look to continue their rise in French football, while Lyon attempt to steady the ship amid off-field turmoil. With both teams boasting strong preseason form, a competitive, goal-filled encounter is likely. For punters and fans alike, the Stade Bollaert-Delelis will be the place to watch, as two ambitious sides begin the 2025-26 Ligue 1 journey.