Preview: Monaco vs. Lens - prediction, team news, lineups

Following a 3-3 draw with Nantes, the Monegasques have taken seven points from a possible nine this term, while last season's runners-up have a solitary point to their name.

Match preview

Monaco looked destined to suffer their first defeat of the season as they found themselves 2-0 down inside 15 minutes against Nantes last time out, with the Canaries also enjoying a 3-1 lead in the second half.

However, ex-Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino scored his third goal in as many matches before Wissam Ben-Yedder netted his fourth goal of the campaign, while Myron Boadu came off the bench to score an 85th-minute equaliser and earn a point for his side.

Not only did Monaco enjoy 66% possession at the Stade de la Beaujoire, but they also chalked up 27 shots - 10 of which were on target - while limiting Nantes to just three attempts on goal.

The Red and Whites kicked off their Ligue 1 campaign with a 4-2 thrashing of Clermont before claiming a 3-0 victory over Strasbourg, meaning that Adi Hutter's men have netted 10 goals in three matches this term.

Sitting at the summit of the standings with the best offensive record in the division, Monaco will be confident of heaping more misery on struggling Lens, who are yet to taste victory in 2023-24.

After pushing Paris Saint-Germain all the way last season - finishing a solitary point behind the perennial champions - Lens were expected to hit the ground running this term, but Franck Haise's men have failed to live up to expectations.

Indeed, last season's runners-up currently find themselves outside the bottom three on goal difference following a below-par start to the campaign, having taken one point from a possible nine so far.

The Blood and Gold head into Saturday's clash on the back of a 3-1 defeat to PSG, who made light work of their visitors to Parc des Princes, with Kylian Mbappe bagging a brace before Morgan Guilavogui's 95th-minute consolation goal.

After throwing away a 2-0 lead to lose against Brest on the opening weekend, Lens played out a 1-1 draw with Rennes in their second outing, surrendering the lead in successive matches to drain confidence from the squad.

Haise's side lost just four of their 38 league games last season, conceding a measly 29 goals in the process, but they have already suffered two defeats in 2023-24, letting in seven goals across three matches.

Monaco Ligue 1 form:

Lens Ligue 1 form:

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Team News

Monaco have strengthened their attacking options with the signing of Folarin Balogun, who scored 21 Ligue 1 goals for Reims last term before returning to parent club Arsenal.

Balogun joins former Juventus midfielder Denis Zakaria and ex-Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu on Monaco's list of summer recruits, giving Adi Hutter a wider range of options in each department.

That said, the Monegasques have numerous injury absentees, with Ruben Aguilar, Maghnes Akliouche, Eliesse Ben Seghir, Edan Diop and Breel Embolo all expected to miss Saturday's showdown.

As for Lens, long-term injury absentee Jimmy Cabot remains sidelined with a knee problem, while Wuilker Farinez and Wesley Said also find themselves on the treatment table.

The visitors will likely line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation on Saturday, with Florian Sotoca leading the line, while Adrien Thomasson and Angelo Fulgini look set to operate behind the lone striker.

Monaco possible starting lineup:

Kohn; Singo, Zakaria, Magassa; Vanderson, Fofana, Camara, Henrique; Minamino, Golovin; Ben-Yedder

Lens possible starting lineup:

Samba; Gradit, Danso, Medina; Frankowski, Abdul Samed, Diouf, Machado; Thomasson, Fulgini; Sotoca

We say: Monaco 2-1 Lens

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