RC Lens vs Arsenal: Match Preview, Team News, Tickets & Prediction
RC Lens vs Arsenal may not be a typical UEFA Champions League fixture, but the remarkable campaigns both teams had in the 2022/23 season have set the stage for this exciting matchup.
While the two sides have had contrasting starts to their respective seasons—RC Lens struggling to maintain the form that saw them finish just behind Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1, and Arsenal grinding out results with determination—their ambitions in the Champions League are clear.
Both teams have proven they’re not just here to participate; they’re in it to compete. Their performances on matchday 1 show they’re intent on advancing from their group and potentially making a run for the title.
Arsenal is the favorite to secure a win in this clash, but after RC Lens’ impressive performance against Sevilla, a club with European pedigree, the Gunners will be cautious of underestimating their opponents.
Mikel Arteta has also shown significant growth as a manager in the 2023/24 season. The pain of losing the Premier League title to Manchester City, who are also the reigning Champions League champions, is evident in his pre-match statements. Arteta is on a mission and is ready to lead his young squad against the best Europe has to offer.
The Gunners will travel to France for matchday 2, where they will face Lens at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis, aiming to secure their second victory of the Champions League season. However, Franck Haise and the passionate Lens fans will ensure that Arteta’s side won’t have it easy in the 38,223-capacity stadium.
RC Lens vs Arsenal has all the ingredients to be a memorable match, with both teams motivated to prove their worth on the European stage. Arsenal currently leads the group with a dominant 4-0 win over PSV Eindhoven, while Lens sits second, sharing the same goal difference as Sevilla.
Read on for ticket details, team news, potential lineups, and a match prediction.
Match Tickets
Tickets for RC Lens vs Arsenal will be available soon on both clubs’ official websites. The match will take place on October 3, 2023, at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis, which holds a capacity of 38,223. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM CET, alongside several other matchday 2 fixtures across Europe.
Given the high demand from both fanbases for this historic encounter, many supporters may need to turn to ticket resellers like Seatsnet.com to secure their spot. RC Lens’ return to European competition after over 32 years and Arsenal’s first Champions League appearance in seven years make this a must-attend event for both sets of fans.
With both teams aiming to maximize their Champions League experience, securing tickets may be challenging. This is especially true for upcoming group-stage matches, where demand will remain high.
For fans unable to get tickets, the game will be broadcast live on TV through the Champions League’s official broadcasters. TNT Sports on Discovery+ will also stream the match globally, so fans can watch the action from anywhere by subscribing to the package via the Discovery+ app on their streaming devices.
Team News
RC Lens will be without long-term injury absentees Jimmy Cabot (knee) and Wuilker Farinez (knee), both of whom have left the squad slightly depleted. This has contributed to the club’s slow start to the season. Additionally, Portuguese midfielder David Pereira da Costa is sidelined with a shoulder injury, although his recovery is progressing and he is expected to return sooner than Cabot and Farinez.
For Arsenal, long-term absentees include Jurrien Timber, Mohammed Elneny, and Thomas Partey. Gabriel Martinelli is making progress in his recovery and could make a return to the squad, though it remains uncertain whether he will feature in the starting lineup. In the meantime, Leandro Trossard has stepped up with impressive performances in Martinelli’s absence.
Lineups
Elye Wahi, the rising star who nearly made a move to the Premier League this summer with both Arsenal and Chelsea reportedly interested, is fit to start against the Gunners. The young striker will lead the line for RC Lens, aiming to impress and perhaps earn a future move to a club he has previously expressed admiration for.
RC Lens manager Franck Haise is likely to stick with the same starting lineup that defeated Sevilla, as it has proven to be his most effective so far this season.
RC Lens: Samba; Gradit, Danso, Medina; Frankowski, Abdul Samed, Mendy, Machado; Sotoca, Fulgini; Wahi
At Arsenal, David Raya has officially overtaken Aaron Ramsdale as the first-choice goalkeeper, with Mikel Arteta gradually easing him into the role. Raya’s impressive performance in the Champions League opener against PSV, where he completed the most passes of any player, has solidified his position as the new number one.
Gabriel Martinelli is fit to return, but Leandro Trossard’s recent form makes it difficult to drop him. While Martinelli could make a start, it’s likely Trossard will retain his place.
Arsenal: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Vieira; Saka, Jesus, Trossard
Prediction
RC Lens vs Arsenal promises to be an exciting and closely contested match.
The fanfare, the relatively fresh faces of both teams in the Champions League, and the potential for an upset make this a must-watch clash. With Sevilla and PSV, the more experienced teams in the group, expected to be tough competitors, both sides will be eager to make their mark.
Arsenal are in better form than their French counterparts, but Lens will be determined to keep the Gunners’ attacking threat at bay. They’ll look to disrupt Arsenal’s rhythm and play with defensive solidity while launching quick counterattacks.
Though Lens will have the advantage of home support and may see more of the ball, Arsenal’s current form and attacking prowess should see them edge out the French side. Expect a thrilling contest, but we’re backing Arsenal to secure a vital win in this fixture.
Source: https://arsenal-mania.com/rc-lens-vs-arsenal-preview-team-news-tickets-prediction/
