Lyon vs Lens – News and Probable Lineups

This year’s final Coupe de França quarter-final is shaping up to be a highly anticipated clash as Ligue 1’s second and third-place teams, Lens and Lyon, prepare to face off at Groupama Stadium on Thursday.

In the previous round, Lyon secured a 2-0 victory against Laval, while Les Sang et Or triumphed 4-2 against Troyes in early February.

Match overview

Lyon has become a regular feature at this phase of the Coupe de França, comfortably defeating Stade Lavallois last month.

Paulo Fonseca’s squad has conceded only one goal in three matches throughout the tournament this season, reaching the quarter-finals for the seventh time in eight editions.

In four of their last five appearances at this stage, Lyon has progressed, eliminating Strasbourg on penalties in their last visit here in 2024.

Lyon’s home form is impressive, with nine consecutive wins across all competitions, including no goals conceded in their last three home matches.

They have recorded eight straight home victories in the Coupe de Francia, the last defeat at Groupama Stadium in this tournament being to Mônaco during the quarter-finals in 2021 (2-0).

Les Gones have remained unbeaten in two of their last three competitive matches against Lens, having edged them 1-0 in their Ligue 1 opener last August.

While their aspirations for the title have faltered in recent weeks, Lens is emerging as strong contenders to claim this trophy for the first time in the club’s history.

Pierre Sage has guided them into the quarter-finals only twice in the last eight tournaments, with the team netting a total of 10 goals in their three matches.

The former Lyon head coach has experienced only one defeat in his past nine away fixtures across all competitions, that setback coming from a 3-1 loss at Marseille in late January.

However, Lens has stumbled in their last two Ligue 1 encounters, slipping from the top of the table to four points behind Paris Saint-Germain in the race for first place.

In six of their last seven away outings in the Coupe de Francia, Lens has progressed, winning both of their away matches this season by a combined score of 7-2.

Les Sang et Or last reached the semi-finals of this tournament in 2010, yet they have triumphed in their previous two visits to Groupama Stadium, including a victory at Stade Gerland in the round of 16 of the 2014 Coupe de Francia (2-1 after extra time).

Team News

Pavel Sulc and Afonso Moreira may miss out for Lyon due to hamstring issues, while Ruben Kluivert is dealing with a muscle strain and Malick Fofana is a doubt with an ankle injury.

Ernest Nuamah is sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury, Nicolas Tagliafico is struggling with a calf problem, and Orel Mangala could potentially return despite prolonged injury issues.

Endrick scored the deciding goal in the last 16 match for them just before the 90-minute mark, with Maxime Hautbois contributing an own goal in stoppage time to seal the victory.

For Lens, Regis Gurtner and Samson Baidoo are both managing hamstring injuries, and Jonathan Gradit has a lower leg issue.

Ruben Aguilar is doubtful with a sore calf, along with defender Kyllian Antonio due to a foot concern.

Abdallah Sima netted twice against Troyes to lead his side to success, with Andrija Bulatovic and captain Florian Sotoca also finding the net.

Lyon probable starting XI:

Descamps; Abner, Matha, Niakhate, Hateboer; Nartey, Morton, Tessmann; Endrick, Yaremchuk, Karabakh

Lens probable starting XI:

Risser; Ganiou, Celik, Udol; Abdulhamid, Bulatovic, Sangare, Sarr; Sotoca, Said; Edward

Both teams are defensively strong, displaying excellent composure and patience; although differences are minimal, it seems Lens might have a slight edge as they seek to secure a win for their head coach against his former side.