Stade Bollaert-Delelis is set to host a Ligue 1 clash on April 6, 2025, when RC Lens welcome struggling Saint-Étienne in Round 28. Lens, still reeling from a hard 1-0 defeat at the hands of Lille, cannot wait to return to winning ways against an outfit that has been taken behind the woodshed of late—witness 6-1 to PSG! Saint-Étienne's relegation fight is growing more desperate by the week, but can they work a miracle against an inconsistent-on-the-road Lens? With Lens' rock-solid Facundo Medina going up against Saint-Étienne's one bright spark, Zuriko Davitashvili, this match has all the ingredients of a fireworks show—or a complete damp squib. Dive into our preview for recent form, star players, and some cheeky betting tips that could line your pockets. Who’s got the bottle to win this one? Let’s find out!
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RC Lens are entering this one on a disappointing 1-0 loss to LOSC Lille—56% possession, two tiny shots on target, and a whole lot of "what ifs." Still's team has been a scrappy, though inconsistent, group of late (LLWWL), tallying 11 victories, 6 draws, and 10 losses. They're a robust team, muddling out victories with thriftiness—below 2.5 goals in 7 out of the past 9—and barely ever stockpiling cards or corners (below 4.5 cards in 4/5, below 10.5 corners in 8/10). But their forwards' been laboring, and injuries aren't playing ball: Denis Petric, Jhoanner Quintero, Martin Satriano, and Rémy Lascary are out. Still's still got a gem in Facundo Medina, though.
The centre-back a brick wall, dictating a defence which has kept things tight even when it does slip up. Lens have an xG of 2.08 to take this game to a porous Saint-Étienne backline and will believe they can do just that. They possess the weaponry—swift wingers, a dominant spine—but need to work on in front of the goal. On their own patch, however, they are a different beast, and the fans will be salivating for blood after that Lille letdown. Can they turn possession into points, or will it be another pub moans evening? Medina is the man to watch here—expect him to snuff out any Saint-Étienne spark and potentially even nick a set-piece header. Lens are not perfect, but they possess enough to make this a gruelling afternoon for the visitors.
Saint-Étienne
Saint-Étienne are in free-fall, and their 6-1 drubbing by PSG last week summarises it all—46% of possession, two shots on goal, and a defence that might as well have waved PSG through. Eirik Horneland's side (DLDWL) are mired in 17th position with a mere 6 wins, 5 draws, and 16 defeats. They've lost no win in 10, conceded in each of the 15 of their last games, and had over 2.5 goals in 4 out of their last 5—all 5 for both teams scoring too. The figures holler mayhem, yet they've kept cards (under 4.5 in 8/10) and corners (under 10.5 in 6/8) to a bare minimum. Augustine Boakye's injury is another kick in the teeth. Zuriko Davitashvili is their savior—7 goals, 5 assists, and having the ability to show up when he's needed, like his consolation against PSG.
He's the spark in an otherwise unimpressive attack, but he can't be alone. With an xG of just 0.85 here, they're in trouble. Horneland has them scrapping hard, but their away form's a horror show, and facing a Lens team smarting from defeat looks a recipe for pain. The backline's in shambles—expect Lens to exploit it early and often. Saint-Étienne might nick a goal (they’ve been doing that lately), but keeping Lens out? Good luck. Davitashvili’s the one to watch—could he conjure something out of nothing, or will he be left cursing his mates again?
Head to Head
Lens and Saint-Étienne have a hot history—Lens 38 wins to Saint-Étienne's 42, 24 draws. Recent results are all Lens, however—they're on a 5-game unbeaten run against Les Verts, who've lost all of them. The last meeting on October 19, 2024, was a 2-0 walk in the park for Lens, and Saint-Étienne haven't let them forget that bite. At home, Lens have the edge, and with Saint-Étienne's defense looking like a sieve, this has the makings for ugliness. Expect goals—past drama means Lens have the upper hand, but Saint-Étienne's desperation may spark something. Still, the smart money is on Lens to keep the streak going.
History of Head-to-Heads
Ligue 1 2024/2025
Saint-Etienne
Ligue 1 2024/2025
Lens
Ligue 1 2021/2022
Lens
Ligue 1 2021/2022
Saint-Etienne
Ligue 1 2020/2021
Lens
Lens Latest Games
Lens
AS Monaco
Lens
Lens
Auxerre
Lens
Saint-Etienne Latest Games
Saint-Etienne
Toulouse
Saint-Etienne
AS Monaco
Saint-Etienne
FC Lyon
Expert Betting Tips
Lens to Win - 1.68 odds look tasty. Lens' form at home and Saint-Étienne's inconstancy make this a banker.
Both Teams to Score (BTTS) - At 1.87, it's scrummy—Saint-Étienne's leaky defense stands in stark contrast to their love of scoring goals.
Under 2.5 Goals - Lens' compact sequences and low-scoring tendencies guide 2.30's a punt.
Other predictions
