Lens vs Monaco – News and Probable Lineups

This Saturday, Lens will aim to keep or possibly extend their lead at the top of the Ligue 1 table as they host Mônaco at Stade Bollaert-Delelis for matchday 23 of the season.

A convincing 5-0 victory against Paris FC reestablished Les Sang et Or at first place, putting them a point ahead of Paris Saint-Germain as they head into this weekend’s matches, while Mônaco occupies eighth place following a 3-1 win over Nantes.

Match overview

With twelve fixtures left, Lens has returned to the summit of the league standings, thanks in part to Rennes’ 3-1 upset of PSG last weekend.

The team from northern France seized their chance to reclaim the top spot, achieving their largest league win since their promotion back to the top flight in 2020-21.

Just one more point on Sunday would bring their total to 53 this season, surpassing their entire tally from 2024-25 (52), when they ultimately finished eighth.

Head coach Pierre Sage has already guided his side to two more league victories (17) this season compared with his predecessor Will Still’s record in the previous term, and his team sits 12 points clear of Marseille, guaranteeing an automatic spot in next season’s Champions League qualifying phase.

In the current 2025-26 season, Lens has been nearly invincible at home, clinching victories in their last 10 matches at Stade Bollaert-Delelis in this competition.

Les Sang et Or have triumphed in their recent two encounters against the Principality side, winning by a cumulative score of 8-1, including a dominant 4-0 victory in this same fixture last season.

Mônaco’s season has been somewhat of a rollercoaster lately, which isn’t as disappointing given their poor start to 2026.

Sebastien Pocognoli’s squad began the year with three losses in their first four competitive matches, conceding a total of 13 goals in that time.

They come into this weekend’s match unbeaten in their last four league matches, with a chance to achieve back-to-back top-flight victories for the first time since October.

Mônaco has secured points in their last two Ligue 1 matches on the road but haven’t managed to win in their past five league outings played outside the Principality.

In the last three competitive matches away from Stade Louis II, they have only scored once, and in their last two league games on the road, they have failed to find the net.

Les Monegasques have lost two of their last three visits to Stade Bollaert-Delelis by three or more goals, managing to win only once in between, which was in 2024 (3-2).

Team News

Regis Gurtner and Samson Baidoo are facing potential absences due to hamstring strains, while Jonathan Gradit is questionable with a lower leg problem.

On the other hand, Mamadou Sangare is dealing with a knock, Kyllian Antonio has a foot injury, and Ruben Aguilar, a former Mônaco defender, will be able to return from suspension.

Rayan Fofana scored twice late in the match against Paris FC, following a brace from Wesley Said in the first half, during which Florian Thauvin also found the back of the net.

For Mônaco, a number of players remain doubtful for Saturday’s match, including Paul Pogba, Mohammed Salisu, Takumi Minamino, and Lukas Hradecky, all coping with knee issues, while Eric Dier and Christian Mawissa have hamstring discomfort, and Kassom Ouattara is nursing a calf injury.

Despite his ankle ailment, Lamine Camara completed the full game in their Champions League loss to PSG (3-2) on Tuesday, and Maghnes Akliouche played despite a sore hip, while Aleksandr Golovin will miss the match due to suspension following his red card against Nantes.

Simon Adingra scored twice last Friday, marking his first goals since joining on loan from Sunderland, while captain Denis Zakaria contributed with another goal.

Lens probable starting XI:

Risser; Ganiou, Sarr, Jelik; Aguilar, Thomasson, Sangare, Udol; Thauvin, Said; Edward

Mônaco probable starting XI:

Kohn; Vanderson, Kehrer, Faes, Henrique; Camara, Zakaria; Coulibaly, Biereth, Adingra; Balogun

With PSG hot on their trail, Lens is likely to stay focused, and we expect their depth to be a deciding factor as they face a fatigued and inconsistent Mônaco side.