The Coupe de France Round of 16 match between Lens and Monaco will take place on January 30. Who will come out on top in this upcoming clash? Lens vs. Monaco: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Betting on Lens vs. Monaco
Bookmakers have already provided their forecast for the game, with the visitors being slight favorites. A bet on Monaco's victory can be placed, while a win for Lens offers a different return. The chances of a draw in the upcoming match are also considered.
Lens
Franck Haise's side started their Coupe de France journey from the Round of 64, narrowly defeating Stade Poitevin 1-0. In the previous round, Lens made a comeback from 0-2 against Lille, overcoming their opponent in a penalty shootout (2-2, 4-3 on penalties). The team has never won the Coupe de France trophy but has reached the final three times, the last being in 1998. In the previous edition of the tournament, Lens exited at the Round of 32, losing to Red Star (2-3).
Unavailable players include Ignatius Ganago (called up for the Africa Cup of Nations), Deiver Machado (injured), and Wuilker Fariñez (with the national team).
Monaco
Monaco had an easier path to the Round of 16: first, they overcame last year's opponent of their upcoming rival, Red Star (2-0), and then defeated Quevilly-Rouen 3-1. Monaco has won the Coupe de France five times, but the last title was over 20 years ago, in 1991. However, it is worth noting that the club from the principality reached the final in the previous edition of the tournament, where they lost to PSG 0-2.
Unavailable players include Krépin Diatta, Benoît Badiashile, Radosław Majecki, Alexander Nübel, Djibril Sidibé, Cesc Fàbregas, Myron Boadu (injured), and Guillermo Maripán (with the national team).
Interesting Betting Trends
- Both teams have scored in 5 of Lens' last 6 matches in the Coupe de France.
- There has been no draw in the first half in 5 of Lens' previous 7 matches in the Coupe de France.
- Monaco has scored after the break in 5 of their last 7 Coupe de France encounters.
Lens vs. Monaco Match Prediction
I tend to agree with the bookmakers that it is difficult to pick a favorite in the upcoming match. Interestingly, the teams are performing identically in Ligue 1 this season, having accumulated the same number of points (33), with equal records of wins, draws, and losses. However, Monaco is ahead in the French league table due to a better goal difference, mainly thanks to a more reliable defense. Monaco has conceded 26 goals, while Lens has allowed 31. Overall, Lens has been allowing opponents to create many chances in front of their goal this season. Here, I see a slight advantage for the visitors, as Monaco's play in recent matches seems more balanced. Although Monaco has not beaten Lens in their last league encounters (1 draw, 2 losses), and moreover, failed to score in these matches, they did thrash Lens 6-0 in their last cup meeting. However, that match took place back in 2014, so it's better to focus on the current form of the teams and their recent head-to-head results. Here, the hosts look slightly more favorable, but I still believe the visitors will progress further in the tournament. Monaco's new head coach Philippe Clement is hungrier for victories and should motivate his team for the cup clash.
Therefore, my prediction for this match is Monaco to win the match.
