Match Overview

This highly anticipated Ligue 1 Matchday 2 encounter features Le Havre squaring off against Lens on August 24 at the Stade Océane. Below, we delve into the comprehensive match preview, offering insights, betting predictions, odds analysis, and key statistics for the Le Havre vs Lens clash.

Le Havre’s Form and Outlook

Le Havre endured a significant setback in their opening Ligue 1 fixture, suffering a substantial 1-3 defeat to Monaco. This result immediately placed them at the very bottom of the league standings after the inaugural round. Overall, Le Havre has struggled in 5 of their last 7 Ligue 1 matches, recording 1 draw and 4 losses. Despite recent difficulties, the team continues an impressive scoring streak in the tournament, having found the net in their last 16 consecutive games. It is worth noting that Le Havre was the weakest home team in the previous French championship, collecting only 11 points and failing to win in 14 of 17 matches (2 draws, 12 defeats).

Le Havre Key Statistics

• Both teams have scored in 7 of Le Havre’s last Ligue 1 matches.
• At least 3 goals have been scored in 12 of Le Havre’s last 15 tournament encounters.
• The club has lost 9 of their last 12 home championship games (1 win, 2 draws), conceding goals in all 12 of those matches.

Le Havre’s Predicted Starting Lineup (5-4-1)*

Morny Diaw – Arouna Sangante, Rassoul Ndiaye, Gautier Lloris, Ayumu Seko, Yanis Zouaoui – Younes Namli, Simon Ebonog, Etienne Kinkoue, Yassine Kechta – Issa Soumare.

Lens’ Form and Outlook

Lens commenced the new Ligue 1 season with a 0-1 home defeat to Lyon. This followed a strong finish to the last championship, where they were unbeaten in their final 3 matches (2 wins, 1 draw). Notably, Lens performed exceptionally well away from home last season, ranking third among the league’s best away teams with 29 points. They avoided defeat in 13 of 17 away matches. Furthermore, Lens boasted the best defensive record on the road in the previous championship, conceding only 17 goals.

Lens Key Statistics

• One opponent failed to score in 8 of Lens’s last 11 Ligue 1 matches.
• Lens has not scored more than once in 8 of their last 11 championship games.
• The team conceded goals in 6 of their last 7 away matches in the French top flight.

Lens’ Predicted Starting Lineup (3-4-3)*

Robin Risser – Malang Sarr, Mathieu Udol, Samson Baidoo – Deiver Machado, Adrien Thomasson, Andy Diouf, Ruben Aguilar – Wesley Said, Morgan Guilavogui, Rayan Fofana.

Match Official: Guillaume Paradis

Guillaume Paradis (France)

Matches officiated – 16 (Ligue 2, 2024/25–2025/26);

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 54;

Average yellow cards per match – 3.4;

Red cards shown – 6;

Fouls per match average – 26;

Penalties awarded – 38%.

Match Prediction: Le Havre vs Lens

Both teams experienced a disappointing start to the season, failing to secure any points in the opening round. While Le Havre’s loss to Monaco, a team aspiring for top honors, was arguably expected, Lens’s home defeat to Lyon, despite holding a slight advantage during the match, was more surprising. I do not anticipate Pierre Sage’s side will suffer bad luck for a second consecutive match, especially against an opponent considered to be of a lesser class. As highlighted earlier, Lens had an outstanding away record last season in Ligue 1, whereas Le Havre was the worst home team in the previous championship, losing in 12 of their 17 home fixtures. Lens, on the other hand, avoided defeat in 14 of their last 18 away matches in the French elite league, securing 8 victories. They also defeated Le Havre away from home in the previous championship with a 2-1 scoreline. I believe that this time, too, the visitors will be closer to victory. My prediction is: Lens with a (0) handicap. * The starting lineup for each team is based on their last match in this tournament.