Lens has a golden opportunity to edge closer to the Champions League knockout stages as they travel to the Philips Stadion to face PSV Eindhoven in a pivotal Group B showdown on Wednesday.
Sitting second in the group with five points, Lens aims to build on their recent successes, while PSV Eindhoven is yet to secure a maximum and languishes at the bottom of the group standings.
Match Preview
Three weeks after their remarkable second-half comeback against Sevilla, PSV faced Lens at Stade Bollaert-Delelis.
A stunning strike from Johan Bakayoko put PSV on the path to their first Group B win, but Elye Wahi’s equalizer left them settling for a draw.
PSV’s chances of reaching the last 16 are still alive, but they need a victory to keep their hopes afloat.
Lens, on the other hand, has been impressive in the group, achieving draws against Sevilla and PSV before stunning Arsenal with a 2-1 comeback win.
The French side is now just one point behind Arsenal and looks to secure a place in the knockout rounds.
Despite drawing their last four matches in Ligue 1, Lens’ defense remains solid, with three clean sheets in their last four games.
For PSV, domestic dominance in the Eredivisie has not translated into success in the Champions League.
The team is winless in 17 Champions League matches, and their last top-level European victory at home dates back to 2015.
Team News
PSV’s Ismael Saibari, who sustained an eye injury during their last match, should be considered for selection.
However, Noa Lang, Mauro Junior, Armando Obispo, and Armel Bella-Kotchap are in the care of the medical team. PSV is likely to field an unchanged starting lineup.
Lens emerged from their draw against Lorient without new injury concerns. Jimmy Cabot, Wuilker Farinez, Wesley Said, and David Costa are the known absentees. Franck Haise has several options for changes in the attacking areas.
Predicted Lineups
PSV Eindhoven Possible Starting Lineup:
- Benitez;
- Teze, Ramalho, Boscagli, Dest;
- Veerman, Schouten;
- Bakayoko, Til, Lozano;
- De Jong
Lens Possible Starting Lineup:
- Samba;
- Medina, Danso, Gradit;
- Frankowski, Mendy, Abdul Samed, Machado;
- Sotoca, Thomasson;
- Wahi
Prediction: PSV Eindhoven 2-1 Lens
PSV is expected to capitalize on their attacking prowess, with Lens attempting to mount a comeback. The Dutch side may have an advantage, leveraging their firepower to keep Group B’s race wide open.
