NOBARTV NEWS Reims v Lens – On Saturday morning, November 30, 2024, Reims will host Lens at the Stade Auguste-Delaune II in a match that opens the 13th week of Ligue 1 at 02.45 WIB. This match brings together two teams who are struggling to return to winning ways after experiencing a decline in performance. Reims, who are currently sitting in 7th position, will face Lens who have dropped drastically to 9th position in the standings after previously being in the European zone.
Reims
After a difficult period following the October international break, Reims have shown signs of improvement with encouraging results. Under Luka Elsner, Reims suffered back-to-back defeats but recovered with a 3-0 win over Le Havre before drawing with an in-form Lyon side. Reims are now just four points off the top four, giving them a great chance of securing a European place next season.
The Champagne-based side rely heavily on quick attacks. In 12 Ligue 1 games this season, Reims have scored 20 goals, their highest tally in more than four decades. However, despite their impressive attacking output, Reims have struggled to keep their goal safe at home. With just one clean sheet at home, Elsner needs to find a solution to a backline that is often conceding goals, despite the team being entertaining with a sharp attack.
Lens
Lens, who had dominated the Ligue 1 standings at the beginning of the season, are now experiencing a significant decline in performance. They are currently slumping to 9th place after previously being in the top four. In their last five matches, Lens have only won once and suffered three defeats, reflecting the great difficulties of Will Still's team, especially in the back line. The 3-1 defeat to Marseille is clear evidence of their weak defense which has recently been prone to conceding goals.
Injuries to key players have made matters worse. Defenders Jonathan Gradit and Abdukodir Khusanov are back in the team after suspensions, but forwards Wesley Said and Martin Satriano are still out injured. Lens’ attack has also been poor, scoring just 14 goals in 12 Ligue 1 games this season – one of the worst in the league.
Reims vs. Lens: Team News
Reims and Lens do not have an impressive record in recent meetings. The last 12 meetings at the Stade Auguste-Delaune have seen the two teams draw, with the last two matches ending 1-1. With Lens' defensive form getting worse and their attack less productive, it would be no surprise to see this match end in a draw.
Reims, despite emerging from a bad period, cannot be too confident of winning considering Lens are still able to show their toughness despite their declining performance. Overall, both teams have played more often with a draw in this meeting, and considering the current condition of both teams, a similar result could happen.
Reims vs. Lens: Predicted LineUp
Reims will be reinforced by Emmanuel Agbadou who was previously absent due to suspension. Agbadou's presence in the back line will provide additional stability for the team. In addition, young players such as Junya Ito and Folarin Diakite will be the mainstays in the front line, while Marshall Munetsi and Dion Lopy will play a role in the midfield to create opportunities.
Meanwhile, Lens will rely on the return of Jonathan Gradit and Abdukodir Khusanov who are expected to improve their defense. In attack, Florian Sotoca and Lois Openda, who have shown their quality before, are expected to find their best form to score goals. The loss of players like Wesley Said and Martin Satriano has clearly had a big impact on their attack.
Reims (4-3-3): Diouf; Sangui, Kipre, Agbadou, Akieme; Atangana Edoa, Kone, Munetsi; Ito, Diakite, Nakamura
Lens (4-3-3): Samba; Gradit, Danso, Medina; Frankowski, Diouf, Thomasson, Machado; Zaroury, Nzola, Sotoca
Reims – Lens Score Prediction
Looking at the statistics and formations of both teams, this match will most likely end in a goalless draw. Although Reims have the advantage of playing at home, Lens are still a formidable team despite their declining form.
With Lens suffering injury problems and a shaky defence, and both teams lacking in attack, a draw seems the most realistic outcome. Both sides have their strengths and weaknesses balanced, and this is a tense game that will go down to the final minutes with neither team able to emerge victorious.
Reims and Lens have the same objective in this match: to get back to winning ways after a couple of poor results. With strong attacking lines and obvious defensive issues, the two teams will go head to head in a match that is expected to be full of tension and struggles to score goals. Although Reims are playing at home, Lens will not give up easily, and this match could end in a draw. With key players returning for both teams, this is a match that Ligue 1 fans around the world will be looking forward to.
The match streaming link can be found here: football link
