Arsenal has performed admirably, collecting nine points out of a possible 12, making them unreachable at this stage. However, they faced a setback against Franck Haise's team. Despite Bukayo Saka enduring rough treatment from the Sevilla defense on matchday four, Arsenal's young talent demonstrated resilience, bringing the team closer to the knockout rounds.
Despite recent losses to West Ham United and Newcastle United, Arsenal defeated the Europa League champions with a Leandro Trossard goal and a composed finish from Saka in the second half.
With a four-point lead over Lens and PSV Eindhoven in first place and Sevilla out of the top-spot contention, avoiding defeat on Wednesday would secure a top-two finish for Arsenal. A victory over Les Sang et Or this week would also clinch the group for the Gunners.
Even if Arsenal falls short against Lens again, their spot in the knockout stage will be confirmed if PSV loses to Sevilla. However, Mikel Arteta's team aims to secure their fate without relying on other results, as evident in their recent Premier League victory against Brentford.
Surviving some shaky moments with Aaron Ramsdale, Arsenal overtook Manchester City and Liverpool at the top of the table with a late Kai Havertz header, extending their winning streak to three matches. No visiting team has managed to secure a victory at the Emirates in the 2023-24 season.
Lens, despite entering Group B with modest aspirations, went unbeaten in their first three Champions League matches, putting them in the conversation for the top spot. However, they now find themselves in third place after a loss to PSV. Their hopes for a top-two finish will vanish if they lose to Arsenal and PSV defeats Sevilla.
Lens, showing defensive prowess with recent wins against Marseille and Clermont, conceded only one goal in their last five matches in all competitions—Luuk de Jong's header for PSV.
The 1-0 loss to PSV is their only defeat in their last 12 matches, both in continental and domestic competitions. Lens remains unbeaten in three Champions League games against Arsenal, with the Gunners having only defeated Les Sang et Or in UEFA Cup contests.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
In addition to the well-known injured players Thomas Partey (thigh), Jurrien Timber (knee), and Emile Smith Rowe (knee), Arsenal faced the Brentford match without the services of first-choice goalkeeper David Raya and fringe playmaker Fabio Vieira. Raya was ineligible due to being on loan from Brentford, and Vieira was serving a suspension.Although Raya is expected to reclaim his position, pushing Ramsdale back to the bench after a nervous display over the weekend, Arteta disclosed that Vieira had undergone surgery for a groin injury, sidelining him for several weeks.
It remains to be seen if Kai Havertz's winning goal against Brentford is the spark needed for the German to turn his fortunes around, but he is likely back in Arteta's considerations for a starting role, especially if caution is exercised with Jesus's fitness.
Arsenal's squad is boosted by the return of a previously suspended player, but Lens faces the absence of winger Morgan Guilavogui due to a ban for his late sending-off in the loss to PSV. Guilavogui also sustained a back injury over the weekend.
Additionally, Lens striker Elye Wahi was involved in a weekend altercation with Clermont's Alidu Seidu, resulting in both players and Lens coach Pascal Gastien being sent off. Despite this, Wahi is available for this match as he aims to replicate his winning goal from Lens' previous victory over Arsenal.
A positive development for Haise is the expected fitness of Kevin Danso, who had been recovering from a foot injury. Left-back Deiver Machado is also anticipated to be fit for Wednesday's match, while Jimmy Cabot and Wuilker Farinez, recovering from ACL injuries, remain unavailable.
POSSIBLE LINE UPS
Arsenal possible starting lineup:Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Havertz; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli
Lens possible starting lineup:
Samba; Medina, Danso, Gradit; Aguilar, Abdul Samed, Mendy, Frankowski; Thomasson, Sotoca; Wahi
EXPERT PREDICTION
Arsenal 3-1 RC Lens
The anticipated return of Kevin Danso will be a significant boost for Les Sang et Or. While Arsenal hasn't displayed the same attacking prowess as in the 2022-23 season, Arteta's in-form team is expected to find the net on multiple occasions and secure a spot in the last 16.
