Lorient vs Lens Prediction & Betting Tips (9 February)

Through its career in the Coupe de France, Lorient limits damage. The surprise team at the start of the season in Ligue 1 has since slowed down considerably but it avoided the trap at the start of the course against the fans of Châtaigneraie Régional 1; 0-6 and Bastia Ligue 2; 1-1, which they dismissed in Corsica in the 1-4 penalty shootout. In the league, the Merlus remain well placed 7th despite having won only one of their last 5 matches.

Last week they were returned to Reims 4-2 and failed to put together a rebellion on Sunday against bottom-running Angers 0-0.

It is necessary to note on the side of Lorient the defections of the titular goalkeeper Mvogo, the defensive manager Laporte whose absence is estimated at least 3 months but also of the captain Abergel (midfielder), also injured. As for attacking midfielder Théo Le Bris (2 goals in L1), he could return to the group after being rested this weekend in the league. The first decisive gestures of offensive rookies Faivre (Lyon) and Dieng (ex-Marseille) are awaited by Lorient supporters, who have seen the managers of this sector, namely Moffi (12 goals, now in Nice) and Ouattara (6 goals , gone to Bournemouth), packing their bags this winter. Goalkeeper Pollersbeck, also on loan from Lyon (like Faivre), and midfielder Makengo (ex-Udinese) also reinforced the Merlus group. The transfer window was completed by other departures, those of substitutes Matsima (Monaco), Loric (QRM), Soumano (Rodez), Boisgard (Pau) and Grbic (Valenciennes). Moffi's understudy when he was still at the club, Koné (5 goals in all competitions) scored in the first 2 rounds of the Coupe de France. Long spared from injuries, the RCL is now sounding the alarm.

Goalkeeper Fariñez (starter last season), right-winger Cabot and substitute striker Buksa remain long-time absentees. They have been joined in recent days in the infirmary by attacking midfielder Claude-Maurice (2 goals in L1), supersub Saïd (6 goals including 1 in CDF), substitute defender Fortes and left piston Haïdara (potential holder) , all still unable to play. This list can give headaches to Franck Haise, who has to rack his brains a little more to compensate for the suspension of defensive manager Danso, guilty of having accumulated yellow cards. The offensive rookie Thomasson (ex-Strasbourg), author of 2 achievements since his arrival, has already unlocked his goal counter in the North. In the same position, the former Angevin Fulgini (Mainz) hopes to do the same fairly quickly. Leca played the first matches of the Coupe de France and should be renewed in goal.