Marseille vs Lens Prediction & Picks - Ligue 1
France - Ligue 1
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by Tyler Doty | in Ligue 1 Picks
The 19th day of Ligue 1 clashes takes place this Saturday, pitting Olympique de Marseille against RC Lens at the Stade Vélodrome. Although it has long been close to the top of the table, the Marseille club now has to look over its shoulder. Currently in third place, it is only three points ahead of Lille (fifth). It could well be fighting to the end to qualify for the next edition of the Champions League. Ahead of this clash, Roberto De Zerbi's team is not brimming with confidence. It has just suffered a heavy defeat against Liverpool in the Champions League (0-3).
RC Lens has had a perfect season so far. It is taking advantage of the fact that it is not competing in any European competitions to play a leading role in this edition of Ligue 1. Before the start of this new matchday, the Sang et Or are at the top of the table. They are one point ahead of PSG (2nd) and, more importantly, eight points ahead of their next opponent. After a string of successes in recent weeks, Pierre Sage's men are keen to continue their momentum for this trip to La Canebière.
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Marseille vs Lens Form
Table
| Teams | Pts | P | W | D | L | GD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2
|
70 | 34 | 22 | 4 | 8 | +31 |
|
5
|
59 | 34 | 18 | 5 | 11 | +18 |
Marseille and Lens Latest Matches
3/6 (50%)
1/6 (17%)
2/6 (33%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Jan 21, 2026 - Champions League
Jan 17, 2026 - Ligue 1
Jan 13, 2026 - French Cup
Jan 8, 2026 - Trophée des Champions
Jan 4, 2026 - Ligue 1
Dec 21, 2025 - French Cup
3/6 (50%)
1/6 (17%)
2/6 (33%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Jan 21, 2026 - Champions League
Jan 4, 2026 - Ligue 1
Dec 14, 2025 - Ligue 1
Nov 29, 2025 - Ligue 1
Nov 25, 2025 - Champions League
Nov 8, 2025 - Ligue 1
4/6 (67%)
1/6 (17%)
1/6 (17%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Jan 17, 2026 - Ligue 1
Jan 13, 2026 - French Cup
Jan 8, 2026 - Trophée des Champions
Dec 21, 2025 - French Cup
Dec 9, 2025 - Champions League
Dec 5, 2025 - Ligue 1
6/6 (100%)
0/6 (0%)
0/6 (0%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Jan 17, 2026 - Ligue 1
Jan 11, 2026 - French Cup
Jan 2, 2026 - Ligue 1
Dec 19, 2025 - French Cup
Dec 14, 2025 - Ligue 1
Dec 6, 2025 - Ligue 1
6/6 (100%)
0/6 (0%)
0/6 (0%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Jan 17, 2026 - Ligue 1
Dec 19, 2025 - French Cup
Dec 14, 2025 - Ligue 1
Nov 22, 2025 - Ligue 1
Nov 2, 2025 - Ligue 1
Oct 25, 2025 - Ligue 1
5/6 (83%)
0/6 (0%)
1/6 (17%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Jan 11, 2026 - French Cup
Jan 2, 2026 - Ligue 1
Dec 6, 2025 - Ligue 1
Nov 30, 2025 - Ligue 1
Nov 8, 2025 - Ligue 1
Oct 29, 2025 - Ligue 1
Marseille against Lens : Head to Head (H2H)
33 %
0 %
67 %
Average stats (last H2H results)
Oct 25, 2025 - Ligue 1
Mar 8, 2025 - Ligue 1
Nov 23, 2024 - Ligue 1
Apr 28, 2024 - Ligue 1
Nov 12, 2023 - Ligue 1
May 6, 2023 - Ligue 1
Marseille - Lens: Form Analysis
Marseille is definitely capable of both the worst and the best. In Ligue 1, the club kicked off 2026 with a surprising defeat to FC Nantes at the Stade Vélodrome (0-2). It bounced back well, leaving SCO Angers no chance (2-5). It is currently in third place in the standings after its first 18 games. Although it came close to winning the Champions Trophy against PSG, before losing on penalties, it also qualified for the round of 16 of the Coupe de France.
However, Roberto De Zerbi's team has just suffered a major disappointment in the Champions League. They lost heavily to Liverpool (0-3) and will be playing for a place in the playoffs on the last day of the league phase.
RC Lens has won its last eight Ligue 1 matches.
For RC Lens, it's a different story. They have been unstoppable for several weeks now. Les Sang et Or had no trouble reaching the round of 16 in the Coupe de France. They are now among the favorites to win the title, since PSG was eliminated early on. But it is in Ligue 1 that the club from the Pas-de-Calais region is really shining. They have won eight consecutive league games and intend to fight to the end for the title with the Parisians.
Before the start of the day's action, Pierre Sage's men are at the top of the table, just one point ahead of PSG. They are therefore full of confidence as they travel to Marseille. They will do everything they can to continue their fine run against one of the league's big guns.
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Marseille against Lens Lineups: Starting 11
Formation : 3 - 4 - 2 - 1
Formation : 3 - 4 - 2 - 1
Substitutes
J. De Lange
DefenderC. Egan Riley
A. Murillo
B. Pavard
M. O'Riley
A. Vermeeren
D. Bakola
P. Aubameyang
M. Greenwood
M. Gorgelin
DefenderN. Celik
K. Antonio
MidfielderF. Sylla
A. Bulatovic
A. Bermont
A. Sima
R. Fofana
F. Sotoca
Missing players
Emerson
MidfielderA. Gomes
J. Gradit
J. Chavez
S. Baidoo
E. Garnier
MidfielderA. Haidara
Marseille & Lens Squad Analysis
Marseille received some very bad news with Emerson Palmieri's injury earlier this week. He missed the Liverpool game and will also be out for this Ligue 1 clash. Nayef Aguerd also remains uncertain, as he has only just returned from the Africa Cup of Nations. While Medhi Benatia has confirmed the arrivals of Quinten Timber and Ethan Nwaneri in this winter transfer window, Roberto De Zerbi has not ruled out playing them as early as Saturday evening.
Far from shining in Marseille's defense against the Reds, Benjamin Pavard and Leonardo Balerdi will have to show a better side. On the bright side, the Marseille coach can count on a confident attacking line-up. Mason Greenwood, Ligue 1's top scorer with 12 goals, will be eagerly awaited, as will Hamed Junior Traoré and Amine Gouiri, who have quickly regained their form since returning from injury.
Florian Thauvin will make his return to the Stade Vélodrome on Saturday evening.
As for RC Lens, Régis Gurtner, Jonathan Gradit, Jhoanner Chávez, and Amadou Haidara are out. Samson Baidoo is very doubtful. Pierre Sage has other weapons at his disposal to make a big impact at La Canebière. He has the best defense in Ligue 1, with only 13 goals conceded. Robin Risser is imperious in goal, as are Malang Sarr, Ismaëlo Ganiou, and Matthieu Udol in front of him. Mamadou Sangaré and Adrien Thomasson are invaluable in midfield.
A little further up the pitch, Florian Thauvin will be closely watched on his return to the Stade Vélodrome. Odsonne Édouard, who missed the last game, will be back on Saturday evening. He has already scored seven goals in this season's Ligue 1.
Most goals and assists
Marseille
Lens
M. Greenwood
(16 Goals)
W. Said
(12 Goals)
, 
O. Edouard
(12 Goals)
M. Greenwood
(8 Assists)
A. Thomasson
(10 Assists)
Marseille - Lens Key Points
- RC Lens has won eight consecutive Ligue 1 matches.
- RC Lens has lost only two of its nine away games in Ligue 1.
- In the first leg, RC Lens beat OM (2-1).
- Marseille played in the Champions League midweek and lost to Liverpool (0-3).
- Marseille has won only twice in its last five home games in Ligue 1.
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Our Marseille vs Lens Prediction
RC Lens arrives at this Ligue 1 clash brimming with confidence. They haven't dropped a single point in their last eight games. Leading the table going into this matchday, the Artois club is determined to continue its winning streak on Saturday evening. Especially since Marseille has only won twice in its last five home games in the league. They are coming off a defeat against FC Nantes (0-2). Having just played and lost in the Champions League against Liverpool (0-3) in midweek, they may struggle to bounce back.
Our prediction for Marseille vs. RC Lens: Double Chance: Draw/Lens.
Marseille vs Lens - Other Interesting Picks
Over 2.5 Goals
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