Lens vs Toulouse Prediction - Ligue 1

The match between Lens and Toulouse will take place at 01:45 on April 18, 2026, as part of the French national championship. With home advantage and consistent form, Lens is aiming for a victory to continue their pursuit of a top spot in the league standings.

Position and ambitions on the leaderboard

Currently, Lens is asserting its position as one of the strongest teams in the league, sitting in second place with 59 points. Meanwhile, Toulouse is content with tenth place and 37 points. The 22-point gap shows a significant difference in class and form between the two clubs this season.

Performance and professional statistics

Lens boasts an incredibly impressive home record. Of their 19 wins this season, 12 have come at their home ground, Stade Bollaert-Delelis. Notably, the team has never drawn at home, demonstrating a committed and aggressive attacking style of play. Lens' attack averages 1.9 goals per game, while their defense concedes an average of only 1.0 goal per game.

Conversely, Toulouse is showing a lack of consistency. The away team has played 29 matches with 10 wins and 12 losses. Their goal difference is balanced (39 goals scored and 39 goals conceded). On the road, Toulouse is also not particularly formidable, having only managed 5 wins in 14 away games.

The head-to-head history favors the home team.

In their last five encounters, Lens have the upper hand with three wins, one draw, and only one loss. In the first leg, played in early January 2026, Lens defeated Toulouse 3-0 away from home. This result gives the yellow-and-red team a huge psychological advantage going into the return match.

• January 3, 2026: Toulouse 0 - 3 Lens
• May 11, 2025: Toulouse 1 - 1 Lens
• January 5, 2025: Lens 0 - 1 Toulouse
• January 28, 2024: Toulouse 0 - 2 Lens
• September 24, 2023: Lens 2 - 1 Toulouse

Force situation and tactical forecast

Both teams are facing significant personnel issues due to injuries. Lens will certainly be without key players such as K. Antonio (foot injury), J. Gradit (thigh injury), and R. Gurtner (muscle injury). The availability of R. Aguilar and S. Baidoo remains uncertain.

On Toulouse's side, the difficulties are even greater with A. Francis suffering a broken leg, F. Magri having knee problems, and R. Messali injured an ankle. In particular, the absence of M. McKenzie due to suspension (red card) will leave a significant gap in the visitors' defense.

Match analysis

Based on statistical indicators, Lens' chances of winning are rated at 45%, equivalent to a draw, while Toulouse's chances of winning are a mere 10%. With their strong attack and home advantage, Lens are predicted to control the game. A win or a draw is a realistic goal for the home team at Stade Bollaert-Delelis.

Team lineup updated at 01:30 on 18/04/2026

Official lineup

Lens

Diagram: 3-4-2-1

CoachPierre Sage

Starting lineup:

• 40. Robin Riser (G)
• 25. Ismaelo Ganiou (D)
• 20. Malang Sarr (D)
• 27. Arthur Masuaku (D)
• 23. Saud Abdulhamid (M)
• 8. Mamadou Sangare (M)
• 28. Adrien Thomasson (M)
• 14. Matthieu Udol (M)
• 7. Florian Sotoca (F)
• 22. Wesley Said (F)
• 38. Rayan Fofana (F)

Substitutes:

• 16. Mathieu Gorgelin
• 6. Samson Baidoo
• 2. Ruben Aguilar
• 5. Andrija Bulatovic
• 21. Amadou Haidara
• 9. Allan Saint-Maximin
• 19. Abdallah Sima
• 10. Florian Thauvin
• 11. Odsonne Édouard

Toulouse

Diagram: 3-4-2-1

CoachDales Martinez

Starting lineup:

• 1. Guillaume Restes (G)
• 4. Charlie Cresswell (D)
• 35. Seny Koumbassa (D)
• 2. Rasmus Nicolaisen (D)
• 12. Warren Kamanzi (M)
• 23. Cristian Casseres Jr. (M)
• 45. Alexis Vossih (M)
• 15. Aron Dønnum (M)
• 10. Yann Gboho (F)
• 11. Santiago Hidalgo (F)
• 20. Emerson (F)

Substitutes:

• 16. Kjetil Haug
• 44. Gaëtan Bakhouche
• 19. Djibril Sidibe
• 77. Mario Sauer
• 18. Pape Diop
• 24. Dayann Methalie
• 13. Jacen Russell-Rowe
• 37. Ilyas Azizi
• 7. Julian Vignolo