Toulouse vs Lens: Prediction, Team News, and Lineups Preview
Lens will face Toulouse on January 5, 2026, in a Ligue 1 clash at Stadium de Toulouse. This match marks the beginning of the new year, and both teams are entering it with contrasting fortunes.
Toulouse vs Lens: Match Preview
Toulouse has shown a significant improvement lately, climbing to eighth place in the league. They recently secured a 3-0 victory against Paris FC, marking their third consecutive win in competitive matches. This strong finish to 2025 puts Toulouse just four points behind Rennes and Lyon, making a European spot a realistic goal for the team.
Toulouse’s Recent Performance
- Toulouse’s recent form includes a four-match unbeaten streak.
- They have earned points in five of their last six home matches.
- The team has kept two clean sheets in their last three outings at home.
Historically, Toulouse has performed well against Lens, winning their last three home matches against them. They managed to defeat Lens 1-0 in their opening league game of 2025.
Lens: Current Standings and Strategy
On the other hand, Lens enters this match as the league leader, ahead of Paris Saint-Germain by one point after defeating Nice 2-0 in their last match. They have accumulated 37 points from 16 match days—a notable improvement compared to the previous season.
Lens’s Defensive Strategy
- Lens has conceded only 13 goals, the fewest in Ligue 1.
- They have secured victories in seven of their matches by a single goal.
- They achieved five away wins this season, just three short of last season’s total.
Under coach Pierre Sage, Lens has focused on a defense-first mentality, allowing them to stay competitive in the league title race. Their strong performances have kept PSG within reach in the standings.
Team News
As the teams prepare for the match, Toulouse faces some injury concerns. Player Abu Francis will miss the game due to a tibia fracture, while Warren Kamanzi’s participation is uncertain due to a knock. Frank Magri is also unavailable as he is representing Cameroon in the Africa Cup of Nations.
For Lens, Jonathan Gradit may not play due to a lower leg injury, and Jhoanner Chavez is questionable with a thigh issue. Mamadou Sangare will also miss out due to AFCON commitments. Odsonne Edouard has been a standout player for Lens, leading the team with seven league goals.
Predicted Lineups
| Toulouse | Lens |
|---|---|
| Restes; McKenzie, Cresswell, Nicolaisen; Sidibe, Vossah, Casseres, Methalie; Hidalgo, Gboho; Emerson | Risser; Ganiou, Baidoo, Sarr; Aguilar, Sangare, Thomasson, Udol; Thauvin, Said; Edouard |
The highly anticipated matchup between Toulouse and Lens promises to be a competitive encounter, with both teams motivated to start the new year with a victory. With Lens aiming to maintain their lead at the top of the table, and Toulouse looking to secure a European spot, fans can expect an exciting match.
