Lens – Brest : Preview & Prediction
Having recorded two seventh-place finishes since their promotion to Ligue 1 two years ago, Lens have shown they are not wavering when it comes to taking on the more established teams in the top flight to qualify for European competitions via a league spot. Their latest sign of trying to do this again is well reflected by a busy summer, with transfer spending of close to €30 million.
In the eyes of many, only a first qualification to European competition since 2007 can justify that expenditure, which makes getting off on the right foot crucial. On that front, Lens are clear favorites to start off on the right foot, and proved their ability to live up to expectations last season by winning more than half of their home league games in which they started as bookmakers’ favorites (G9, E4, P3).
Although favorites, Lens will not underestimate Brest. Michel Der Zakarian’s first season in charge of the Brittany outfit saw him match the club’s second-best finish in the French top flight (eleventh place) since celebrating a historic eighth place finish in 1987, potentially putting them in with a chance of breaking into the top ten – something Brest last did in 1990.
Despite this, after suffering a late debacle of three consecutive defeats to end the 2021/22 season, Brest may be inclined to start focusing on preserving and nullifying the opposition’s game. A similar approach helped them to a 1-0 win when visiting their rivals in March – and record their only clean sheet away from home in that league campaign against a team that was not relegated – despite having just 37% of the possession.
Players to watch: Arriving at the club for around €9 million, Loïs Openda was Lens’ most talked-about transfer so far in the summer – scoring 18 goals in the Eredivisie last season (including nine match-winners and six braces) to finish second in the scoring charts. Also his team’s top scorer in 2021/22, Franck Honorat secured Brest’s victory at this stadium earlier this year, and his last five away goals have either opened the scoring or been decisive in a win.
Key stat: Lens won the second half 1-0 in six (67%) of their nine home wins last season.
Lens – Brest : Betting Tips
Lens – Win Odds: 1.75
