Ligue 1 begins Round 24 with an interesting matchup between RC Lens and Le Havre—two clubs with opposite aspirations but both equally in need of a win. Lens, with new manager Will Still in charge, are holding onto European qualification hopes despite a concerning three-match losing streak. Le Havre, meanwhile, is fighting in the relegation struggle, desperately in need of points to prevent an automatic return to Ligue 2.
Both teams come into this game with big losses—Lens lost 3-1 to Nantes, and Le Havre were defeated 4-1 by Toulouse. Both teams have the ability to make defensive blunders but occasionally have moments of attacking brilliance, so this can be a match that defies script. Lens have been very bad at home of late, but Le Havre's awful away record might just be what tips the scale for the hosts.
Can Lens bounce back and revive their bid for a top-six finish, or will Le Havre pull off a surprise they so badly need? Let's dive into the preview, stats, and best betting tips for this intriguing encounter.
Claim Your Welcome BonusRC Lens
Lens have been inconsistent this season, oscillating wildly between promising victories and aggravating defeats. Their previous game—a 3-1 loss to Nantes—was a perfect encapsulation of their problems. Despite dominating possession (65%) and creating three clear opportunities, they lacked enough ruthlessness in front of goal and were made to pay by errors in defense.
Under Will Still, Lens remains a high-pressing and possession-based team, but recent events have exposed their frailties at the back. They have lost three on the bounce, conceding at least three goals in each, which suggests shocking defensive disorganization. In addition, they have a poor recent home record—just one win in their last five at Stade Bollaert-Delelis.
Notable Trends & Facts
Have lost their last three Ligue 1 matches.
Four of their last five have had under 2.5 goals.
High-card games—four of their last five have featured over 4.5 cards.
Corners are going under 10.5—five of their previous six under 10.5 corners.
Le Havre AC
Le Havre's campaign has been that of battles. Sitting 17th in the table, they are firmly in the relegation fight and badly need points to get out of danger. Their latest defeat, a 4-1 drubbing at the hands of Toulouse, emphasized their long-standing defensive weakness, with four goals conceded for the second time in five matches.
Didier Digard's men set up with a structured defensive unit, but the inability to keep clean sheets has been persistent. They've conceded in 12 straight Ligue 1 games, and the last five away matches have seen them toiling to impose themselves. Yet they have been tough on the road, not losing three of their last five away games (1W, 2D).
Notable Trends & Facts
Lost in 12 straight games—defensive issues continue.
Both teams to score (BTTS) has hit in seven of their last eight games.
At 4.5 cards in eight of their last ten games.
Poor head-to-head record—lost their last five to Lens.
Head to Head
Le Havre Wins: 3
Lens Wins: 2
Draws: 5
Recent Run: Lens have not lost any of the last 5 games
Key Betting Trends:
Low-card game: Under 4.5 cards in five of the last seven meetings.
Close games: Six of the last ten meetings have ended in draws.
Defensive battles: This meeting barely sees goal festivals, which also falls into Lens' recent under 2.5 goals pattern.
History of Head-to-Heads
Ligue 1 2024/2025
Le Havre
Ligue 1 2024/2025
Lens
Ligue 1 2023/2024
Le Havre
Ligue 1 2023/2024
Lens
Club Friendlies 2022
Le Havre
Lens Latest Games
Lens
Rennes
Lens
Le Havre
Lens
Strasbourg
Le Havre Latest Games
Le Havre 
Le Havre
Saint-Etienne
Le Havre
Toulouse
Nice
Expert Betting Tips
Under 3 Goals @ 1.68 Odds on 1xbet
Four of Lens' last five games have ended with less than 2.5 goals. It has been challenging for Le Havre to score more than one goal when playing away.
Both Teams to Score – NO @ 1.78 Odds on Betway
Lens did not score in two out of their last three home games. Le Havre have been blanked in two out of their last four away games.
Under 10 Corners @ 1.83 on Bet365
Lens' last six games have had fewer than 10 corners in all of them. Le Havre doesn't generate many corners, especially away from home.
Other predictions
