Estac Troyes Battle to Escape the Drop Zone Against Lens

Lens arrive at the Stade de l’Aube on Saturday in far better shape, sitting tenth in the 18-team table with seven points from six games. For Estac Troyes, the picture is much bleaker. They are 17th with four points and a goal difference of minus nine, and every week spent in the relegation zone makes the climb harder.

Troyes’ struggle for points

Troyes have won just once this season and have lost four of their last five league matches. Their attack has offered little, with four goals in their last five games, and the defence has leaked 13 across the same period. Home form has been particularly poor, with no wins from three matches at their own ground.

Lens’ steadier start

Lens have been more consistent, with two wins, one draw and three defeats in six league outings. They have scored 11 goals and conceded 10, a record that reflects a side capable of grinding out results without being spectacular.

Head-to-head

Lens have dominated recent meetings. They have won four of the last five against Troyes, including a 4-2 victory in the Coupe de France in February. The only league meeting in that run ended 1-1 in January 2023, and Troyes have not beaten their visitors in that sequence.

Team news

Troyes will be without Y. Kone, A. Ouzenadji and Y. Titi, all sidelined by injury, while I. Boura is a doubt with a hip problem. Lens are missing M. Nawrocki (knee) and A. Sima (muscle), and M. Udol is suspended after a red card. J. Chavez and J. Gradit are also doubtful.

Our prediction

Estac Troyes 1-2 Lens. Troyes need a result badly, and their defensive problems and injury list make a clean sheet unlikely. Lens have the stronger recent record in this fixture and should have enough quality to take the points, although Troyes’ desperation could make for a tight contest.