Lens managed to secure their first point of the competition with a 1-1 draw against Sevilla in the opening week, while Arsenal sent a strong message to their group rivals with a commanding 4-0 victory over PSV Eindhoven at the Emirates Stadium on the same day.
Lens has undergone a remarkable journey over the past three years, rising from Ligue 2 to narrowly missing out on a top-flight league title last season. Despite this, their return to Europe's elite club competition after a 21-year absence is a significant achievement. They kicked off their Champions League campaign against Sevilla and showed resilience by coming back from an early goal deficit to claim a well-deserved point.
The draw against Sevilla was a turning point for Franck Haise's side, which had struggled in their domestic league with no wins in their first five matches, earning just one point during that period. However, Lens has bounced back with consecutive Ligue 1 victories, defeating Toulouse 2-1 at home and securing a 1-0 win over Strasbourg on the road, lifting them out of the relegation zone after seven league matches.
Arsenal's strong start to the season continued in their return to the Champions League after a six-year absence. They marked their comeback with an outstanding performance, scoring four goals against a PSV side that had maintained a perfect record in the Eredivisie.
Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Jesus all found the net to give Arsenal a commanding three-goal lead at halftime. In the second half, Martin Odegaard added a fourth goal, securing the win and putting Arsenal at the top of the group standings.
Arsenal's impressive form extends beyond the Champions League, as they remain unbeaten in the Premier League after seven matches, with five wins and two draws. Their recent 4-0 victory over Bournemouth showcased their strength in the domestic league.
Moreover, Arsenal boasts a perfect record in away matches this season, winning all four games in various competitions while maintaining clean sheets in each of those encounters.
As they face Lens, Arsenal is aiming to maintain their strong run and solidify their position as a formidable contender in both European and domestic competitions.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Massadio Haidara has been absent from Lens' lineup since their match against Sevilla due to a thigh injury. Consequently, Deiver Machado is expected to continue in the wing-back position for the foreseeable future.David Costa, who is dealing with a shoulder injury, Jimmy Cabot with an ACL injury, and Wuilker Farinez also sidelined due to an ACL injury, have all been unavailable since the beginning of the season. Unfortunately, it appears that none of them will be returning for several more weeks.
Elye Wahi, a significant signing, secured his first goal for Lens over the weekend and is anticipated to maintain his role in the attack. He will be supported by Angelo Fulgini and Florian Sotoca.
While Jurrien Timber made an impressive start in London, a knee injury has ruled him out until the new year. However, Mikel Arteta has a capable replacement in Ben White, who scored the final goal against Bournemouth last weekend.
Joining Timber on the injury list is Thomas Partey, who is dealing with a groin issue. On a more positive note, Gabriel Martinelli was expected to return to the squad last weekend and may make his comeback in this upcoming match.
Fabio Vieira, who overcame a knock, made an appearance last weekend and could return to the starting lineup. Additionally, Bukayo Saka sustained a "pretty bad knock," as described by Arteta, and may be rested in preparation for the significant match against Manchester City in the coming weekend.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Lens possible starting lineup:Samba; Gradit, Danso, Medina; Frankowski, Samed, Mendy, Machado; Fulgini, Sotoca; Wahi
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Vieira; Trossard, Nketiah, Jesus
EXPERT PREDICTION
RC Lens 1-3 Arsenal
