Happy New Year, football lovers! With the coming of 2024, Ligue 1 is still serving up thrilling contests, and Round 16 has an exciting match in store between RC Lens and Toulouse on January 5th. Both teams are working hard for a top-half finish, and this game means a lot to them. Will RC Lens take advantage of their home field, or can Toulouse pull off an upset away from home? Let's get into the details.
What do you think will happen in this clash? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, and once again, Happy New Year!
Claim Your Welcome BonusRC Lens
RC Lens comes 7th and is managed by Will Still. The record reads 6W 6D 3L. Recently the team has had some steady results such as the following: in the last five games, their record reads 2W 2D 1L (LWWDD). Though they just came out with a result from a 1-1 draw against PSG-the game which they lost on penalties in the Coupe de France-the way the team fared against Ligue 1 giants shows something about their character.
The hosts have been inconsistent at home, managing 2W 1D 2L in the last five games at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis. While a recent 1-1 draw with PSG showcased defensive solidity, they will need to be far better in attack if they're to collect all three points against Toulouse.
Key facts
- Goals Scored: 19 (1.3 per game)
- Goals Conceded: 14 (0.9 per game)
- Corners per Game: 5.5
- Discipline: 2.5 yellow cards/game
Toulouse
In 9th place come Toulouse, managed by Carles Martínez, who have managed to collect 6 wins, 3 draws, and a tally of 6 losses so far in this competition. Recently, they also have been quite unpredictable due to how variable their performance has been: over the last five, 2W 1D 2L WLWLD. Their last result was a 0-0 draw against Hauts Lyonnais in the Coupe de France, which they won through penalties but also got Niklas Schmidt's red card.
Toulouse have a balanced away record, having won 2, drawn 1, and lost 2 of their last five on the road. They will try to carry forward the momentum from their recent away victories.
Key facts
- Goals Scored: 17 (1.1 per game)
- Goals Conceded: 17 (1.1 per game)
- Corners per Game: 4.7
- Discipline: 1.7 yellow cards/game
Head to Head
Historically, Lens have dominated this fixture, winning 11 matches to Toulouse's 3, while 6 matches have ended in draws. Recent encounters do suggest a strong trend for Lens.
Key facts
- Lens have won the last 6 meetings.
- Toulouse have failed to score in their last 6 clashes with Lens.
- Under 2.5 goals have been recorded in 8 of their last 10 matches.
- Lens have scored first in 5 of the last 6 meetings.
- Over 10.5 corners were seen in 5 of the last 6 games.
History of Head-to-Heads
Ligue 1 2023/2024
Lens
Ligue 1 2023/2024
Toulouse
Ligue 1 2022/2023
Lens
Ligue 1 2022/2023
Toulouse
Ligue 1 2014/2015
Toulouse
Expert Betting Tips
This will be a closely-fought tactical game. Solidity at the back and in control of the game at home gives Lens the slight edge, while Toulouse does not belittle the counterattacking and an organized backline under Carles Martínez. With the struggles to score goals in both teams in the recent matches, this can be a low-scoring affair.
- RC Lens to Win: Lens’ strong home record against Toulouse and recent defensive form give them the edge. (Betway: 1.93 Odds)
- Under 2.5 Goals: Both teams have struggled to score freely, and recent head-to-head trends strongly favor a low-scoring affair. (Bet365: 1.87 Odds)
- Lens to Score First: Given their habit of striking first in recent meetings, Lens are likely to open the scoring. (1xbet: 1.68 Odds)
Other predictions
