The Matchday 2 clash in Ligue 1 between Le Havre and Lens will take place on August 24 at the Stade Océane. Le Havre vs. Lens: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Le Havre
The club suffered a heavy defeat in the first round, losing 1-3 to Monaco, which placed them at the bottom of the standings. Le Havre has failed to win in 5 of their last 7 Ligue 1 matches (1 draw, 4 losses). However, they have extended their scoring streak in this tournament to 16 matches. Notably, Le Havre was the worst home team in last season's French championship, with only 11 points, failing to win in 14 of 17 home games (2 draws, 12 losses).
- Both teams scored in Le Havre's last 7 Ligue 1 matches.
- At least 3 goals have been scored in 12 of Le Havre's last 15 matches in this tournament.
- The club lost 9 of their last 12 home matches in the championship (1 win, 2 draws), conceding in all 12.
Predicted lineup for Le Havre (5-4-1)
Mory Diaw – Aruna Sangante, Rasoul Ndiaye, Gautier Lloris, Ayumu Seko, Yanis Zahui – Younes Namli, Simon Ebonog, Etienne Kinkoue, Yassine Kechta – Issa Soumare.
Lens
The team started the new Ligue 1 season with a 0-1 home defeat to Lyon. They ended last season with a three-match unbeaten streak (2 wins, 1 draw). Lens performed excellently on the road last season, ranking third among the best away teams with 29 points, avoiding defeat in 13 of 17 matches. Additionally, Lens had the best away defense in the previous championship, conceding only 17 goals.
- One of the opponents failed to score in 8 of Lens' last 11 Ligue 1 matches.
- Lens scored no more than once in 8 of their last 11 championship games.
- The team conceded in 6 of their last 7 away matches in the top French division.
Predicted lineup for Lens (3-4-3)
Robin Risser – Malang Sarr, Mathieu Udol, Samson Baidoo – Deiver Machado, Adrien Thomasson, Andy Diouf, Ruben Aguilar – Wesley Said, Morgan Guilavogui, Ryan Fofana.
Referee
Guillaume Paradis (France)
Matches – 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;
Average fouls per match – 26;
Penalties – 38%.
Match Prediction: Le Havre vs. Lens
The first round was unsuccessful for both teams, as they failed to earn points. Le Havre lost to a strong Monaco, while Lens was narrowly defeated by Lyon at home despite having a slight advantage during the match. I don't expect Pierre Sage's side to be unlucky in two consecutive matches, especially against a lower-class opponent. As highlighted above, Lens excelled on the road last season, while Le Havre was the worst home team, losing 12 of 17 matches.
Lens has not lost in 14 of their last 18 away matches in the top French league, securing 8 victories. They defeated Le Havre 2-1 away in the previous championship. I believe the visitors will be closer to victory this time as well. My prediction: Lens with a handicap (0)
