The Champions League returns tonight with Arsenal away to French club RC Lens.
A bombastic win over PSV Eindhoven kicked off the Gunners’ Group B campaign in fine style yet Lens earned a solid draw away to Sevilla to get themselves off the mark.
In only their third Champions League season, and their first in over 30 years, the fans in Pas-de-Calais will be right up for the visit of Mikel Arteta’s side.
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Back-to-back wins in Ligue 1, most recently delivered by former Arsenal target Elye Wahi, stand them in reasonable stead as they look for an upset.
Arsenal smashed four goals past Bournemouth last time out and will be thankful that a give-day gap before next weekend’s showdown with Manchester City will allow them to maintain their focus on this match.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Lens vs Arsenal is scheduled for an 8pm BST kick-off tonight, Tuesday, October 3, 2023.
The match will take place at Stade Bollaert-Delelis.
Where to watch Lens vs Arsenal
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on TNT Sports 2, with coverage beginning at 7pm.
Live stream: Subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the TNT Sports app and website.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert analysis from Simon Collings at the ground.
Lens vs Arsenal team news
Arteta is sweating over the fitness of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus after they sustained knocks late on at Bournemouth.
Gabriel Martinelli and Thomas Partey are already set to miss out through injury while Declan Rice and William Saliba overcame issues to play on the weekend.
Emile Smith Rowe could come into the team if Arsenal are wanting for wingers while Aaron Ramsdale will also hope to earn a recall and start in goal.
The hosts will be without winger David Costa despite his return to training and injury will also keep ex-Newcastle defender Massadio Haidara on the sidelines.
Lens vs Arsenal prediction
There is something of an unknown quality vibe about Lens, given their long absence from this scene. They have waited even longer than Arsenal to get back to the Champions League.
But the Gunners have developed a ruthless winning streak that will see them challenge for the Premier League title and they are big favourites to win, providing their injury list is kept to a minimum.
Arsenal to win, 3-1.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
Nwankwo Kanu scored an 86th-minute winner to cap Arsenal’s win over Lens to reach the 1999-2000 UEFA Cup final.
Lens wins: 1
Arsenal wins: 1
Draws: 2
Lens vs Arsenal match odds
Lens: 7/2
Arsenal: 4/7
Draw: 23/10
