The Matchday 34 clash in Ligue 1 between Lens and Monaco will take place on May 17 at the Bollaert-Delelis Stadium. Lens vs. Monaco: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Lens
In the last round, Lens ended their 17-match uncompromising streak in Ligue 1 (8 wins, 9 losses) by drawing 1-1 with Toulouse. Notably, Lens has failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five league matches. As a result of dropping points against Toulouse, the team slipped one position to 9th in the Ligue 1 standings. They cannot drop lower, but they also cannot climb higher than 8th, regardless of the outcome of the upcoming match.
It's worth noting that Lens has struggled at home this season, losing half of their home matches – 8 losses in 16 games (6 wins, 2 draws).
- No more than 3 goals have been scored in 7 of Lens' last 9 Ligue 1 matches.
- The team has not drawn in their last 13 home league matches (5 wins, 8 losses).
- Lens has not scored more than once in 8 of their last 9 home matches in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Lens (5-4-1)
Matthew Ryan – Tom Pouille, Jonathan Gradit, Djuma Ba, Facundo Medina, Deiver Machado – Adrien Thomasson, Nampalys Mendy, Neil El Aynaoui, Andy Diouf – Goduine Koyalipou.
Monaco
Monaco defeated Lyon 2-0 in their previous Ligue 1 match, securing a top-three finish and a Champions League spot for next season. With their win in the last round, the team extended their unbeaten run in Ligue 1 to five matches (3 wins, 2 draws), keeping clean sheets in three of them. In the league standings, Monaco sits in 3rd place, four points ahead of their nearest rival and only one point behind second-placed Marseille. Monaco ranks among the leaders in goals scored and conceded, with a tally of 63:37. In the first round, they drew 1-1 with Lens.
- Monaco has not lost in 9 of their last 10 league matches (6 wins, 3 draws).
- Both teams scored in 8 of Monaco's last 9 away Ligue 1 matches.
- No more than 3 goals have been scored in 10 of Monaco's last 11 matches in the top French division.
Predicted lineup for Monaco (4-4-2)
Philipp Kohn – Caio Henrique, Thilo Kehrer, Wilfried Singo, Jordan Teze – Takumi Minamino, Lamine Camara, Denis Zakaria, Maghnes Akliouche – Mika Biereth, Breel Embolo.
Referee
Francois Letexier (France)
Matches – 13 (Ligue 1, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 42;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.2;
Red cards shown – 5;
Average fouls per match – 20;
Penalties – 23%.
Lens vs. Monaco: Match Prediction
The hosts have already lost their chance to fight for a European spot several rounds before the end, yet Lens does not give away points without a fight, even against motivated opponents. Yes, at home, the team has not been as successful as in previous seasons, but Monaco has also struggled in away matches this season. The club from the principality has failed to win in 9 of their last 11 away Ligue 1 matches (4 draws, 5 losses). Moreover, after their win in the last round, Monaco might relax, having secured at least a direct Champions League spot.
Recent encounters against Lens have been challenging for Monaco, as they have not won in 7 of their last 9 head-to-head Ligue 1 matches (3 draws, 4 losses). Additionally, the hosts' motivation could be a crucial factor influencing the result. They are likely eager to please their fans with a win and a good performance in their final home game of an unsuccessful season, as well as spoil the mood of their successful opponent.
Therefore, I disagree with the bookmakers, who have made the visitors the favorites for the upcoming match. Especially since Lens has not lost to Monaco in 16 of their last 18 home league meetings (8 wins, 8 draws). I believe the hosts will once again take points from a relaxed and underperforming away opponent. My prediction – Lens to win or draw
