2023-24 UEFA Champions League: Group Stage – Arsenal vs Lens

Arsenal look to secure qualification for the knockout stages in a Group B clash against Lens at Emirates Stadium in 2023-24 UEFA Champions League. 

Victory would see Arsenal guarantee qualification as group winners, whilst Lens could go second with a win if PSV Eindhoven fail to beat Sevilla.

 

Team News

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David Raya is set to return for Arsenal after he was ineligible for their win at Brentford.

Fabio Vieira is available because his suspension only applies to their domestic games, whilst Jurrien Timbers, Emile Smith Rowe (both knee) and Thomas Partey (muscle) remain absent.

Lens could welcome Oscar Cortes (thigh) and Wuilker Farinez (ACL) back into contention if both players are match fit.

Deiver Machado (groin) and Jimmy Cabot (ACL) remain absent.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Arsenal host Lens at Emirates Stadium in a 8pm GMT kick-off on Wednesday 29 November, live on TNT Sports 2 in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• Arsenal are winless in three Champions League meetings against Lens (D1, L2).
• Lens won their only previous Champions League visit to Arsenal by 1-0 result in November 1998, albeit at the Gunners’ former home stadium – Highbury.
• Both teams have scored in two of their three previous Champions League meetings.
• Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard have both scored in each of Arsenal’s two home games in this group (W2).
• One of Lens’ four goals in this group were scored away from home.

 

Prediction

Sat on the brink of qualification, Arsenal know a win would see them through but they were lucky to beat Brentford last weekend, in a scrappy game where the Gunners lacked pace in their end product until late on but they must up the tempo and show more energy here.

Lens meanwhile have lost just one of their last 12 matches in all competitions and are yet to lose to Arsenal in this competition, so will certainly come into this game with belief especially after comfortably beating Clermont last weekend.

Arsenal though will be buoyed by how resilient they were against Brentford when they could of grown frustrated and conceded, which might be the key mental difference that allows them at least snatch a narrow win if not draw.

Prediction: Arsenal 1-0 Lens

Result: Arsenal 6-0 Lens