Lens and Nice Clash for a Chance at Coupe de France Glory

Following Aston Villa’s significant UEFA Europa League victory in Istanbul, the spotlight shifts to France, where Lens and Nice get ready to compete for the Coupe de France at the Stade de France on Friday night.

Lens is aiming to secure their first-ever Coupe de France title after an impressive journey to the final under the guidance of manager Pierre Sage. Les Sang et Or earned their place in the final with a decisive 4-1 win against Toulouse during the semi-finals and are now just one match away from claiming a long-awaited major trophy.

Sage has already led the team to a second-place finish in Ligue 1 this season, marking their best league standing since the 2022-23 campaign. A win on Friday would signify Lens’s first trophy since they lifted the Ligue 2 title during the 2008-09 season.

The northern French club has been one of the most exciting teams in this competition, netting 16 goals across their four Coupe de France matches while allowing six. Nevertheless, their history in finals is mixed, having lost two of their last three matches at this stage by a narrow margin.

On the other hand, Nice has had a strong cup run despite facing difficulties in the Ligue 1 season. Claude Puel’s side has knocked out three top-tier clubs en route to the final, most recently defeating Strasbourg 2-0 in the semi-finals.

Le Gym is preparing for a relegation playoff against Saint-Etienne, but the Coupe de France has brought some much-needed positivity during a tough season. Throughout the tournament, Nice has demonstrated defensive solidity, maintaining consecutive clean sheets and conceding more than once in only one cup match this year.

Additionally, French football acknowledged another individual milestone this week as Désiré Doué was named Ligue 1 Best Young Player of the Season for the second year in a row, emphasizing the rising standard of young talent in France.

Historically, Nice has had the advantage in recent contests against Lens, remaining unbeaten in seven of their last eight matchups in all competitions.

In preparation for the upcoming match, Lens has shared training footage through their official X handle.

Team News

Lens may be without Regis Gurtner and Samson Baidoo due to hamstring injuries, and Jonathan Gradit is also a doubt with a lower leg issue.

Florian Thauvin, Allan Saint-Maximin, Matthieu Udol, and Adrien Thomasson all scored in the semi-final win over Toulouse and are expected to start on Friday.

For Nice, Moise Bombito is being monitored for a lower leg problem, while Mohamed Abdelmonem and Youssouf Ndayishimiye are doubtful due to muscle injuries. Everton Pereira is also under assessment following an ankle issue.

Elye Wahi made an impact with a second-half brace in the semi-final against Strasbourg and is anticipated to lead the attack once more in Friday’s final.

Possible Lineups

Lens possible starting lineup:

Risser; Ganiou, Celik, Sarr; Aguilar, Thomasson, Bulatovic, Udol; Thauvin, Saint-Maximin; Edouard

Nice possible starting lineup:

Diouf; Mendy, Bah, Oppong; Clauss, Vanhoutte, Boudaoui, Sanson; Cho, Diop; Wahi

How to Watch

Match Prediction

Softfootball anticipates a final score of Lens 2, Nice 1.

Both teams have impressed throughout the Coupe de France this season, but Lens seems to have the strongest attacking force as they head into the final.