Can Lens Trouble In-Form Como in the Champions League?

Lens face a sharp contrast

Como travel to Stade Bollaert-Delelis with six points from three matches in the Champions League league phase, placing them ninth. Lens have three points and sit 27th, so the home side have ground to make up as the competition continues.

The gap is clear, but Lens can still make this a difficult night for the visitors. Their home crowd offers a chance to disrupt a Como side that has been more productive in front of goal, while the standings leave both teams with a reason to push for a result.

Como’s attacking edge

Across their last three matches, Como have scored 10 goals and conceded five. Lens have scored three and let in seven over the same number of games. That contrast points to the challenge facing the home side: they must tighten up without losing the threat needed to trouble Como.

In the Champions League, Como have won two of their three fixtures, scoring 10 goals. Lens have one win from three and have conceded seven. Those competition figures suggest the visitors have been the more convincing side so far, though Lens will hope home advantage can shift the balance.

No recent meeting

There is no recent head-to-head record to frame this encounter, leaving the teams’ current league-phase positions and form as the main reference points.

Absences on both sides

Lens will be without J. Chavez, O. Edouard, I. Ganiou, I. Jourdren, M. Nawrocki and A. Sima. Edouard, Ganiou, Nawrocki and Sima are listed with injuries, while Chavez is absent by the coach’s decision and Jourdren is off the roster.

Como have eight absentees: J. Addai, T. Chalobah, A. Diao, E. Goldaniga, W. Kambwala, M. Kean, A. Lahdo and J. Rodriguez. Addai and Diao have muscle and thigh injuries respectively; Kean is out with a leg injury, while Chalobah and Rodriguez are listed with injuries. Goldaniga, Kambwala and Lahdo are off the roster.

Como’s goals, Lens’ response

Como’s 10 goals in three Champions League matches make their attack the clear danger for Lens. The home side, meanwhile, need to improve on their recent defensive record and find more than the three goals scored across their last three games if they are to put the visitors under sustained pressure.

Our prediction

Como’s stronger scoring record and better league-phase position give them a narrow edge, although Lens have enough at home to make the contest competitive. PreviaXI’s model leans slightly towards the visitors, with both sides capable of finding the net.

Lens 1-2 Como