Lens vs SC Freiburg Predictions

• Both teams have not scored in six of Lens’ last nine games in all competitions
• Both teams have not scored in four of Freiburg’s last six games in all competitions
• Lens have won six of their last eight home games while Freiburg have lost their last four away contests

Opening goal will be crucial in first leg of tie

The first goal will be crucial when Lens look to establish a first-leg lead in their Europa League play-off tie at home to Freiburg on Thursday evening. The Ligue 1 outfit, who are very consistent at Stade Bollaert-Delelis, have won 10 of the 12 games in which they have taken the lead in the French top flight.

The Sang et Or have also won six of their last eight home games. Meanwhile, Freiburg have a moderate road record in the Bundesliga with three wins and seven defeats from their 11 away assignments.

Christian Streich’s side reached the last-16 of the Europa League last season before falling 3-0 on aggregate to Juventus. Although it took a moment of inspiration from Angel Di Maria to settle the first leg, Streich’s side were unthreatening in Turin as they produced only one effort in 90 minutes and that was off target.

Lens can magnify Streich’s problems

Another display like that could potentially keep them in the tie ahead of the return clash, but Lens scored twice against Arsenal and Sevilla in home Champions League group games earlier this season and may currently be more potent than Juve were.

Franck Haise’s side saw off Strasbourg 3-1 on Saturday — the sixth time in the last eight games that they have struck multiple times at home — and can justify the odds-on quote as long as they get their noses in front. Freiburg, who lost 3-0 at Borussia Dortmund on Friday, are much more experienced in this competition and may be able to hold on if they grab the opener — but have shown little evidence that they can come from behind to level if Lens take the lead.

Backing both teams not to score should, therefore, be a worthwhile play on this occasion with Lens favoured to edge it 2-0 on the basis that Freiburg have not shipped more than two goals in any of their last 14 Europa League games.