Monaco will be looking to secure second spot in the Ligue 1 table when they finish their 2021-22 campaign away to top-five hopefuls Lens on Saturday night.
The visitors are currently second in the division, level on points with third-placed Marseille, while Lens occupy seventh, two points behind fifth-placed Strasbourg heading into the final set of fixtures.
Match preview
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Lens have won 17, drawn 10 and lost 10 of their 37 league matches this season to collect 61 points, which has left them in seventh spot in the table, still in the mix for fifth spot, and a position in the 2022-23 Europa Conference League, heading into the final matchday.
Franck Haise's side are only two points behind fifth-placed Strasbourg, who are chasing down fourth-placed Rennes, so it is set to be a fascinating conclusion to the Ligue 1 campaign, with a lot still to be decided.
Lens are actually unbeaten in the league since the start of April, winning five of their last seven matches during an excellent run of form, including victories in their last two against Reims and Troyes.
Last weekend, Haise's team came from behind to record a 3-1 victory over Troyes, with the result keeping them in the running for a European finish, but they will be taking on a team that is looking to secure second spot in the table and a position in the 2022-23 Champions League.
Lens have only lost three of their 18 home league games this season, collecting 33 points in the process, while they recorded a 2-0 victory over Monaco in the reverse match between the two sides back in August.
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Monaco, as mentioned, are bidding to keep hold of second position, which would see them secure qualification for the group stage of next season's Champions League.
Third, on the other hand, would see them start in the third qualifying round of the European Cup, so there is simply no downplaying the importance of this contest.
Philippe Clement's side have been on a remarkable run of form in Ligue 1, winning each of their last nine matches at this level of football, including a 4-2 success over Brest last weekend.
The eight-time Ligue 1 champions have the fourth-best away record in France's top flight this term, picking up 28 points from 18 matches, but they are winless in their last three league games with Lens, suffering two defeats in the process.
Monaco have had a number of outstanding performers during the 2021-22 campaign, but Wissam Ben Yedder has enjoyed an excellent scoring season, finding the back of the net on 24 occasions in the league, with only Kylian Mbappe (25) boasting more goals this term.
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Team News
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Lens will again be missing Gael Kakuta and Jean-Louis Leca this weekend through injury, but the home side are otherwise in good shape heading into the contest.
Having impressed in their 3-1 win over Troyes last time out, it would not be a surprise to see the same starting XI take to the field for this match, with Arnaud Kalimuendo-Muinga leading the line.
A 3-4-3 formation should again include David Costa and Florian Sotoca in the wide positions, with Seko Fofana once again lining up in the middle of the park.
As for Monaco, Cesc Fabregas remains on the sidelines, but the principality outfit did not suffer any fresh concerns in their 4-2 win over Brest last weekend.
Ben Yedder scored three times last time out and will again feature in the final third of the field, with Kevin Volland and Aleksandr Golovin also set to keep their spots, while Vanderson could retain his spot in an attacking area.
Beniot Badiashile and Aurelien Tchouameni both continue to be linked with moves away from Monaco due to their performances this season, and the pair could potentially make their final appearances for the club this weekend.
Lens possible starting lineup:
Farinez; Gradit, Danso, Medina; Clauss, Doucoure, S Fofana, Frankowski; Sotoca, Kalimuendo-Muinga, Costa
Monaco possible starting lineup:
Nubel; Aguilar, Disasi, Badiashile, Henrique; Y Fofana, Tchouameni; Vanderson, Volland, Golovin; Ben Yedder
We say: Lens 1-2 Monaco
This is a huge match for both teams, and it is set to be a fascinating battle on Saturday. Lens will be confident of picking up a positive result, but Monaco have been so impressive in recent weeks, and we are backing the visitors to secure a huge three points in this contest.
For additional data used by our team to analyse our suggested result please click here.
Top tip
Matt Law
