Lens – AS Monaco

Monaco are trying to hold on to second place in Ligue 1. How will their game against Lens play out?

The 38th round match in the French championship sees Lens take on Monaco. Both teams have important tournament goals to meet, so we can expect some great football. The Monegasques have been showing the most efficient football in Ligue 1 in recent weeks, so they were able to climb up to second place, but they are not yet guaranteed even participation in the Champions League, as Monaco have equal points with Marseille and only three more than Rennes. So, in the worst-case scenario, the Monegasques could even drop to fourth place. Therefore, they will try their best to beat Lens. It's important for them to stay in second place to qualify directly into the Champions League group, not through qualification. Lens, on the other hand, are in seventh place, but only two points behind Nice and Strasbourg, meaning they can at best jump straight into fifth position and find themselves in the Eurocups next season, which would be an incredible scenario for the blood-and-golds. Both teams are in good form and haven't lost in a long time. Lens have lost only once in the last ten rounds and have a seven-match unbeaten streak. During this streak, they have only drawn a couple of times: with PSG (1-1) and Nantes (2-2). After that, they beat Reims (2-1) and Troyes (3-1). Lens have a real fighting spirit and excitement, a good attacking game in which they sometimes sacrifice defence. Monaco have similar characteristics, but with a correction for a higher class. That is why the Monegasques have now won nine games in a row, although they concede in almost every game. Monaco's most recent victims were Lille (2-1) and Brest (4-2). In the first round of this competition, Lens beat Monaco 2-0 on the road. And in that match, there were two penalties, one for each of the opponents. Later, they met in the French Cup and Monaco were the stronger side as they won 4-2. So the games between Lens and Monaco are fun at the very least. Monaco have won eight away games this season, drawn four times and lost six times. Lens have nine wins at home, six draws and just three defeats.