Strasbourg vs Lens - Ligue 1

The Ligue 1 returns to Stade de la Meinau on August 29, 2026, where Strasbourg and Lens will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. Tottenham face Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday.

Both Strasbourg and Lens will be eager to build momentum when they meet in Ligue 1. Strasbourg are still searching for momentum, LDWWL in their last five and a season win rate of just 23.68%. It has been a wretched run on the road for the visitors, LDWLL in their last five and a win rate of 18.42% that explains their lowly standing. Goals could be in short supply or plentiful — Strasbourg average 1.16 per game to Lens's 0.92, and that gap may dictate the rhythm of the contest. It remains to be seen if Leeds will target a No 10 or a winger capable of playing inside now that Brandt is off the table.

How the two sides approach the contest strategically will be key. Strasbourg will want to control proceedings in front of their own supporters, while Lens will back themselves to cause problems on the break. Rico Lewis played at right-back, but when City were in possession he tucked infield and supported the midfield pairing of Mateo Kovacic and Reijnders.

When A. Gouiri is on the pitch — 4 goals to his name this term — moments of magic are never far away, and the Ligue 1's top scorer will be central to how this one unfolds. Discipline at the back and sharpness in front of goal will likely tilt the balance one way or the other. However, as Carrick admitted himself, a few moments such as Ainsley Maitland-Niles' equaliser for Everton, City's controversial VAR goal and now a shocking collapse against Brighton, have made it all feel very different.

With the sides closely matched, the outcome may well hinge on which team takes its chances on the day. With the sides so closely matched, a 1-1 stalemate looks the most likely way this one ends. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Liverpool's midfield wasn't great last year but I expect Florian Wirtz to have a better season, 100 per cent.