- Lens have won 4 of the last 5 meetings between these sides (Nantes: 1).
- RC Lens have won two, drawn two and lost one of their last five Ligue 1 games.
- FC Nantes have won one, drawn two and lost two of their last five Ligue 1 matches.
Ligue 1 leaders Lens a tough test for struggling Nantes
Ligue 1 second-placed RC Lens have played one fewer game than their guests FC Nantes and yet they already have 41 more points.
Lens have accumulated 64 points from 31 matches to sit second, while Nantes are languishing 17th with 23 points after 32 games.
Vahid Halilhodzic took over as manager of Les Canaris in March 2026.
But the visit to Lens, who have won both of their last two home games, will be a stern test.
Lens press and press and attack wide and direct
Pierre Sage has done a fine job at Lens since taking over as boss in July 2025 and his high-octane pressing system has produced a host of attractive attacking returns for the club.
His 3-4-3 system sees the Sang et or (Blood and Gold) press high, attack wide and, due to their quick and direct transitions, often on the front foot.
Set pieces have also been a huge factor in their success this season, but they have averaged an impressive 2.27 goals per game at home, hitting 34 goals in total.
Odsonne Edouard is their top scorer with 12 Ligue 1 goals in 27 appearances.
Nantes defend deep and counter well
Les Canaris have had to adapt under their new coach, but the 4-2-3-1 system has brought an element of defensive structure to a team that looked to be in freefall.
Nantes are still the same team in terms of their personnel and pace, but their system now sees them defend deep, slow the pace of the game and then counter-attack.
They thrashed Marseille 3-0 at home in their previous league game, but were then beaten 2-1 by Rennes when back on the road.
Their away record is poor, with two defeats and one draw in their last three away trips, and they have won just two of 16 Ligue 1 away trips this season.
Les Canaris have conceded 24 away goals at this level and Matthis Abline is their leading goalscorer with just six in 31 appearances, whereas Ignatius Ganago has scored two of their goals in their last five.
Lens likely to win high-scoring encounter
Lens have failed to win back-to-back games in Ligue 1, with draws in their two most recent games, both away from home.
Les Sang et Or should get back on track on Friday with an attacking performance that should see goals at both ends - Nantes will play their part - and see them take the victory.
Back Lens to beat Nantes in a high-scoring game, with odds of 41/100, Over 2.5 goals at 1/2 and Both Teams to Score - Yes at 77/100 all very appealing.
