On January 31 at 03:45 CET, Ligue 1 returns with a high-stakes clash between RC Lens (home) and Le Havre AC at Stade Bollaert-Delelis. With title implications for Lens and survival urgency for Le Havre, here’s a data-driven breakdown of the match.
1. Team Form & Recent Results
Lens: Rebounding From a Setback
Lens suffered a 1-3 loss to Marseille in their last league game, dropping from Ligue 1’s summit. However, their home dominance remains a strength—Stade Bollaert-Delelis is a fortress where they consistently outperform rivals.
Squad depth concerns: While a new defensive midfielder was included in the squad, five backline players remain unavailable (including key names like Aurélien Tchouaméni and Edouard Bakayoko). Despite this, attacking threats (e.g., Loïs Openda) keep them in title contention.
Le Havre: Fragile Resurgence
Le Havre has gone unbeaten in three straight league games(draws vs. Rennes, Monaco, and others), climbing just above the relegation zone.
Injury hurdles: Their first-choice goalkeeper has returned to fitness, but two new forward injuries have weakened an already inconsistent attack. Away form is shaky—four winless games on the road in recent weeks, though they managed one league win in six overall.
2. Injury Updates
Lens: Backline injuries persist (Tchouaméni, Bakayoko, etc.), limiting rotational flexibility. Most first-team attackers remain fit, however.
Le Havre: Goalkeeper is healthy, but two fresh forward injuries reduce attacking options. Defensive frailties (seen in recent results) remain a concern.
3. Head-to-Head & Historical Edge
Lens dominates recent meetings: They won 1-0 awayat Le Havre earlier this season, and Le Havre’s 4-3 home victory last term was an anomaly. Since Le Havre’s promotion, Lens has never lost a league game against them at Stade Bollaert-Delelis—a psychological advantage for the hosts.
4. Match Prediction
Lens’ home form, combined with Le Havre’s fragile away performances and injury setbacks, makes the hosts strong favorites. Le Havre’s attacking instability limits their ability to exploit Lens’ backline issues.
Predicted Score: Lens 2-0 Le Havre
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