Strasbourg vs Lens – News and Probable Lineups

In search of a victory to briefly reclaim the top spot in Ligue 1, Lens will face Strasbourg at Stade de la Meinau on Friday.

Last week, the Alsace club secured a 3-1 victory against Lyon, maintaining their seventh position in the standings, while Les Sang et Or fell to second after a 3-2 home defeat to Mônaco.

Match overview

On Sunday, Strasbourg displayed another impressive home performance, keeping their hopes for a European spot alive.

Gary O’Neil’s squad has triumphed in five out of their last six competitive encounters at Stade de la Meinau, scoring multiple goals in the last two matches.

A victory on Friday would elevate them to fifth place, overtaking Rennes and Lille on goal difference, securing a Europa League position.

Additionally, they could achieve consecutive home wins in Ligue 1 for the third time in the 2025-26 season, extending their unbeaten streak to three matches in the top tier.

So far this season, they have not suffered a loss in competitive matches where they scored multiple goals, dropping points in only two such instances, both domestically.

Le Racing has points from two of their last four home fixtures against Lens in the top flight, although their last victory at Stade de la Meinau against them was in 2022 (1-0).

One of the major surprises of matchday 23 in Ligue 1 took place at Stade Bollaert-Delelis, where Lens let slip a 2-0 advantage, resulting not only in a loss but also their fall from first place.

This Friday, they have the chance to temporarily reclaim the top position and avoid suffering back-to-back league losses for the first time this season.

Collecting maximum points this week would also signify their eighth away victory in this competition, matching their total from the previous season.

Pierre Sage’s squad has been particularly effective in front of goal away from home recently, scoring a combined nine times in their last three away games, including a 5-0 triumph against Paris FC most recently.

Stretching back to last season, they have won 11 consecutive domestic away games when scoring more than once, accomplishing this on seven occasions this season.

Les Sang et Or remain unbeaten in their last seven league encounters with Strasbourg, having not conceded any goals in their last two matchups.

Team News

A muscle fiber tear will keep Emanuel Emegha sidelined for Strasbourg on Friday, while Sam Amo-Ameyaw is nursing a knock and Maxi Oyedele is doubtful due to a muscle injury.

Martial Godo, Diego Moreira, and Joaquin Panichelli scored during their last match on Sunday, with Panichelli now reaching twelve goals for the season, sitting second only to Mason Greenwood of Marseille (14).

For Lens, Regis Gurtner and Samson Baidoo are still recovering from hamstring injuries, Jonathan Gradit remains questionable with a lower leg issue, Mamadou Sangare is dealing with a pelvic concern, Wesley Said may be a game-time decision due to an illness, and Kyllian Antonio is facing a foot injury.

Odsonne Edouard and Florian Thauvin both netted during matchday 23, although Robin Risser conceded three goals in the last half hour against Les Monesgasques.

Strasbourg probable starting XI:

Penders; Doue, Doukoure, Omobamidele, Chilwell; El Mourabet, Barco; Moreira, Enciso, Godo; Panichelli

Lens probable starting XI:

Risser; Celik, Ganiou, Sarr; Abdulhamid, Bulatovic, Thomasson, Udol; Thauvin, Fofana; Edward

Both sides have a lot at stake and are highly driven, but considering the defensive capabilities of each, we anticipate that scoring opportunities will be limited for both teams, despite having potent attacking threats.