Lens are looking to strengthen their lead at the top of the table when they travel to Marseille for a French Ligue 1 fixture.
The visitors are the team to beat at the moment and have been almost unstoppable lately, while the hosts head into this clash looking almost unstoppable.
Marseille eased to a 5-2 victory at Angers in their previous Ligue 1 fixture, with Amine Gouiri and Mason Greenwood among the goals. However, they followed up that result with a disappointing 3-0 home defeat to Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League.
The defeat to Liverpool is part of a recent home slump for Marseille, who have now lost their last two matches at the Stade Velodrome. Manager Roberto De Zerbi will be keen to get back on track, with the likes of Lyon and Lille close behind in the race for the European places.
Meanwhile, Lens have been the surprise team in Ligue 1 this season as they hold a one-point lead at the top of the table. Pierre Sage's team claimed a 1-0 home victory over Auxerre last time out in the league.
That result means Lens have now won their last 10 matches in all competitions. It is a similar situation on the road, as they have also won six of their last seven away matches in all competitions.
How the bookies view it: Bookies fancy Marseille
Despite their inconsistency, Marseille are still considered favourites among the bookies and are priced at Evens by Betfred to claim the win. A victory for Lens is valued at 13/5 by bet365, while a draw is offered at 14/5 by Ladbrokes.
Head to head: Slight edge for Marseille
Marseille have a 13-11 edge, with six draws in the last 30 matches against Lens. However, the visitors are unbeaten in seven of the last 10 meetings and claimed a 2-1 victory in the reverse fixture back in October.
Players to watch: Eyes on Said
Lens have multiple attacking threats, but Wesley Said is their leading scorer with eight Ligue 1 goals. The attacker was on target in the win over Auxerre and will be the one to watch (Wesley Said anytime goalscorer – valued at 23/10 on William Hill).
Marseille also have quality going forward and will look to Mason Greenwood to provide the spark. The forward will be keen to add to his 12 Ligue 1 goals (Mason Greenwood anytime goalscorer – priced at 13/10 by Paddy Power).
Probable line-ups:
Defender Emerson is ruled out for Marseille with a thigh injury. Igor Paixao could earn a start after coming off the bench in midweek, while Benjamin Pavard should continue at the back.
Odsonne Edouard, Jhoanner Chavez, and Anthony Bermont are all likely to miss out for Lens due to injury. Said is set to continue in attack, while Samson Baidoo should feature at the back once again.
Marseille: Rulli, Murillo, Pavard, Balerdi, Medina, Weah, Hojbjerg, Kondogbia, Traore, Greenwood, Paixao.
Lens; Risser, Ganiou, Baidoo, Sarr, Abdulhamid, Thomasson, Bulatovic, Udol, Thauvin, Said, Fofana.
Anything else catch the eye?
Three of the last four matches between Marseille and Lens have produced over 2.5 goals – offered at 8/13 by bet365. The visitors have scored first in their last five matches (Lens to score first – valued at 13/10 by William Hill).
Lens are unbeaten in four of the last five away matches against Marseille (Lens double chance – set at odds of 4/5 on Ladbrokes.
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