Marseille vs Lens Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Saturday, 24 January

Marseille will host Lens at the Stade Orange Vélodrome on Saturday, 24 January, in what promises to be an intriguing clash in Ligue 1. Both teams have performed well this season, making this encounter significant for their respective campaigns. As we delve into this match preview and betting tips, it is clear that both sides will be eager to secure valuable points in the league standings.

Playing at home, Marseille will look to leverage their familiarity with the Stade Orange Vélodrome to gain an advantage over Lens. Meanwhile, Lens, known for their resilience, will aim to challenge Marseille’s home dominance. This match could have implications for the top spots in Ligue 1, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans and bettors alike. Keep an eye on how both teams approach this fixture as they vie for crucial points.

Marseille vs Lens Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Lens to win or draw	1.86

Given the current form and standings, it is a smart move to go for a Double Chance bet on Lens or Draw. Lens have been consistent, managing to stay just ahead of PSG, while Marseille have shown some inconsistency with their 2-1-2 run.

• Lens’s consistency in the league, currently leading the table by a small margin.
• Marseille’s mixed form, particularly at home, makes them less reliable for a straight win bet.
• Lens’s strong defensive performance, conceding less than a goal per game on average.

Considering Lens’s solid defensive record, conceding only 0.8 goals on average per game, and Marseille’s tendency to score in 78% of their home games, a Double Chance bet on Lens or Draw covers multiple potential outcomes effectively.

Betting Odds

Marseille step onto the pitch as favourites with odds of 2.00, but do not count out Lens, who are priced at 3.45. The draw is also an intriguing option at 3.67, especially given the competitive nature of Ligue 1.

Betting Tip	Odds
Marseille to win	2
Draw	3.67
Lens to win	3.45

For those looking to place a bet, the match odds suggest a close encounter, with potential value in backing a draw or even an upset by Lens. Keep an eye on the over 2.5 goals market, as both teams have shown attacking prowess this season.

Marseille Analysis & Past Performance

Marseille’s recent form has shown glimpses of brilliance intertwined with inconsistencies. Currently third in Ligue 1, they have amassed 35 points, highlighting their competitive stature. In their last five games, Marseille secured two wins, including a commanding 5-2 victory over Angers, but suffered three losses, most notably a 0-3 defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League.

Home Side	Away Side	Score	Tournament	Date
Marseille	Liverpool	0 – 3 (Defeat)	Champions League	21 Jan 2026
Angers	Marseille	2 – 5 (Victory)	Ligue 1	17 Jan 2026
Bayeux	Marseille	0 – 9 (Victory)	Coupe de France	13 Jan 2026
Paris Saint-Germain	Marseille	N/A	Super Cup	8 Jan 2026
Marseille	Nantes	0 – 2 (Defeat)	Ligue 1	4 Jan 2026

Performance Analysis:
Offensively, Marseille have been robust, scoring an average of 3.40 goals per game over their last five fixtures. However, defensive frailties are evident, with an average of 2.60 goals conceded per match, underlining the need for defensive tightening. Their home record shows a balanced outcome with two wins, two losses, and a draw, reflecting a win ratio of 40% at the Stade Orange Vélodrome.

Strengths and Weaknesses:

• LWWLL

A key strength for Marseille is their attacking prowess, led by top scorer Mason Greenwood, who has netted 12 goals this season. Yet, their defensive vulnerabilities are highlighted by only one clean sheet in their recent five outings. Marseille’s ability to dominate possession, as seen in their 57% possession against Liverpool, is a tactical strength that needs to be coupled with more resolute defending to capitalise on their attacking capabilities.

Marseille Suspensions & Injuries

Marseille face some challenges with key players unavailable due to injuries, impacting their squad depth and tactical flexibility. Valentin Rongier, a vital cog in midfield with his ability to dictate the tempo, is sidelined with a muscle injury and is expected to return in a few weeks. His absence means Pierre-Emile Højbjerg will need to shoulder more responsibility in the centre of the park, potentially altering Marseille’s midfield dynamics.

Benjamin Pavard is listed as doubtful with an unspecified injury. His possible absence could force coach Roberto De Zerbi to maintain the defensive trio of Amir Murillo, Leonardo Balerdi, and Facundo Medina, as seen in the current lineup. Pavard’s versatility and experience would be sorely missed, especially in high-pressure situations, so the team will need to rely on the existing defenders to maintain solidity at the back.

With these injuries, Marseille might consider a more conservative approach to ensure defensive stability without compromising their attacking potential. The use of Timothy Weah and Emerson on the flanks can provide width and pace, potentially compensating for the absence of Pavard’s overlapping runs.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Valentin Rongier	Muscle problem	A few weeks
Benjamin Pavard	Unknown	Doubtful

Marseille Key Players

Marseille’s top scorer, Mason Greenwood, is pivotal to their attacking strategy, having netted an impressive 12 goals this season. His ability to exploit defensive gaps and convert chances will be crucial against Lens. Greenwood’s partnership with forward Amine Gouiri, who is expected to lead the line, forms a dynamic offensive duo capable of unlocking any defence.

In midfield, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg’s role as a playmaker is indispensable. His vision and passing accuracy will be key in controlling the tempo and linking up with the forward line. Alongside him, Timothy Weah brings pace and creativity, ensuring that Marseille can switch from defence to attack swiftly. The defensive line, anchored by Leonardo Balerdi, will have the responsibility to maintain solidity at the back, with Gerónimo Rulli providing a reliable presence in goal.

Expected lineup for Marseille:

• Goalkeeper: Gerónimo Rulli
• Defenders: Amir Murillo, Leonardo Balerdi, Facundo Medina
• Midfielders: Timothy Weah, Bilal Nadir, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Emerson, Mason Greenwood, Hamed Traoré
• Forward: Amine Gouiri

Marseille Tactics and Formation

Marseille Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-2-1
• Key Forward: Amine Gouiri
• Midfield Engine: Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Bilal Nadir
• Defensive Setup: Struggled defensively with only one clean sheet in recent games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on wing play and midfield control.

Marseille’s 3-4-2-1 formation reflects Roberto De Zerbi’s focus on controlling the midfield and exploiting width through wing-backs Timothy Weah and Emerson. This setup allows for flexibility in both defence and attack, with Højbjerg and Nadir providing stability and creativity in central areas.

Defensively, the back three of Amir Murillo, Leonardo Balerdi, and Facundo Medina have shown vulnerabilities, as evidenced by their recent 0-3 loss to Liverpool. The team has managed only one clean sheet in their last five matches, indicating a need for improved defensive coordination.

Offensively, Amine Gouiri leads the line, supported by Mason Greenwood and Hamed Traoré, who provide additional attacking options from deeper positions. The wing-backs are crucial in creating opportunities, with the team relying on quick transitions and wide play to break down opposition defences.

Lens Analysis & Past Performance

Lens have been a formidable force in their recent outings, maintaining a perfect record with five consecutive wins across all competitions. This impressive run includes pivotal victories such as a 3-0 triumph over Toulouse and a solid performance against Auxerre, securing a 1-0 win.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Lens	Auxerre	1 – 0 (Win)	Ligue 1	17 Jan 2026
Sochaux	Lens	0 – 3 (Win)	Coupe de France	11 Jan 2026
Toulouse	Lens	0 – 3 (Win)	Ligue 1	2 Jan 2026
Lens	Feignies Aulnoye	3 – 1 (Win)	Coupe de France	19 Dec 2025
Lens	Nice	2 – 0 (Win)	Ligue 1	14 Dec 2025

Recent Form:

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Lens have demonstrated a potent attacking force, averaging 2.40 goals per game in their last five matches. Their defence has been equally commendable, conceding just one goal across the same period, resulting in four clean sheets. This balance of attack and defence underscores their strong team dynamics and strategic acumen away from home.

Lens Suspensions & Injuries

Lens will face Marseille with a few key players missing, primarily due to injuries that could significantly impact their tactical setup. Jonathan Gradit’s absence, owing to a broken leg, is a considerable blow to their defensive stability, requiring coach Pierre Sage to rely more heavily on Samson Baidoo and Malang Sarr to anchor the backline. The midfield will also miss the dynamism of Amadou Haidara, sidelined with a shoulder injury, which may prompt a more conservative approach in the centre of the park.

With Odsonne Édouard unavailable due to physical discomfort, Lens’s attacking options are slightly curtailed. This could place greater onus on Rayan Fofana to deliver up front, supported by creative forces like Florian Thauvin and Wesley Saïd. The absence of Régis Gurtner for the season further strains the squad depth, though Robin Risser is expected to continue in goal.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Jonathan Gradit	Broken leg	Late April 2026
Jhoanner Chavez	Thigh injury	Early February 2026
Anthony Bermont	Hamstring injury	Early February 2026
Odsonne Édouard	Physical discomfort	About 1-2 weeks
Amadou Haidara	Shoulder injury	Early February 2026
Régis Gurtner	Muscle injury	Out for season

Despite these challenges, Lens’s tactical flexibility could see them adapt with possible changes in formation, potentially shifting to a more defensive setup to counter Marseille’s offensive threats. Betting markets might see these absences as tilting the balance in Marseille’s favour, yet Lens’s resilience and strategic adjustments could still make for a competitive encounter.

Lens Key Players

Wesley Saïd, Lens’s top scorer with eight goals this season, is a pivotal figure in their attack. His ability to find space and convert chances could be a game-changer against Marseille. Saïd’s movement off the ball and clinical finishing make him a consistent threat, especially when paired with the creativity of Florian Thauvin in midfield.

Thauvin, known for his playmaking abilities, will be instrumental in linking the midfield to the attack. His vision and passing range allow him to create scoring opportunities for both Saïd and Rayan Fofana, who will lead the line. Fofana’s pace and agility add an extra dimension to Lens’s offensive strategies.

Expected lineup for Lens

• Goalkeeper: Robin Risser
• Defence: Pierre Ganiou, Samson Baidoo, Malang Sarr
• Midfield: Saud Abdulhamid, Adrien Thomasson, Andrija Bulatović, Matthieu Udol, Florian Thauvin, Wesley Saïd
• Forward: Rayan Fofana

Defensively, Samson Baidoo and Malang Sarr form a resilient partnership at the back, tasked with neutralising Marseille’s attacking threats. Their ability to maintain composure under pressure and their aerial prowess will be crucial in set-piece situations. Robin Risser, between the posts, provides a solid last line of defence with his shot-stopping capabilities.

Lens Tactics and Formation

Lens Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-2-1
• Key Forward: Rayan Fofana
• Midfield Presence: Saud Abdulhamid and Adrien Thomasson
• Defensive Resilience: Four clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Utilising wing-backs for width and aggressive pressing.

Lens employ a 3-4-2-1 formation, which allows them to be defensively solid while maintaining an attacking threat. The back three, led by Malang Sarr, provide a robust defensive line. In midfield, Saud Abdulhamid and Adrien Thomasson are pivotal, tasked with both breaking up opposition play and facilitating transitions.

Defensively, Lens have shown impressive form, achieving four clean sheets in their last five outings. This defensive strength is complemented by their wing-backs, Saud Abdulhamid and Matthieu Udol, who offer width and support both defensively and offensively.

Offensively, Lens rely on Rayan Fofana as the spearhead of their attack, supported by creative forces Florian Thauvin and Wesley Saïd. Their strategy often involves pressing aggressively and taking advantage of their wing-backs’ ability to stretch the play, creating space for their attackers to exploit.

Marseille vs Lens Head-to-Head Record

Marseille and Lens have faced off 37 times, with both teams winning 15 matches each and 7 ending in draws. The last meeting saw Lens edge a 2-1 victory at home in October 2025, showing their recent upper hand in Ligue 1 clashes.

The last time Marseille hosted Lens at the Stade Orange Vélodrome was in March 2025, where Lens managed a narrow 1-0 win. Despite the balanced overall head-to-head record, Lens have been strong in recent encounters, especially away from home.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Lens	Marseille	2 – 1	Ligue 1	2025-10-25
Marseille	Lens	0 – 1	Ligue 1	2025-03-08
Lens	Marseille	1 – 3	Ligue 1	2024-11-23
Marseille	Lens	2 – 1	Ligue 1	2024-04-28
Lens	Marseille	1 – 0	Ligue 1	2023-11-12