Toulouse – Lens: an away trip the leaders can’t miss 
Lens kicks off 2026 on Friday night at Toulouse with a single objective: stay top of Ligue 1. The Sang et Or arrive full of confidence, but the trip to the Stadium is no gift against a Toulouse side that’s improved sharply in recent weeks.
Toulouse: a year-end run that changes how you see them 
Long stuck in midtable, Toulouse picked up the pace at the end of the year. Results arrived. Confidence followed. The group now heads into this game with raised ambitions.
The Violets are unbeaten over several matches and have rebuilt real home solidity. The Stadium is tense again for visitors — performances are cleaner, the block more organised.
European qualification isn’t fantasy anymore. A result against the leaders would add real weight to this momentum, even if tonight’s opponent is a different class.
Lens: grit, consistency and efficiency 
Lens keep moving forward quietly but with ruthless efficiency. Pierre Sage’s team impresses with discipline and an ability to survive quiet periods. Defence comes first, and the numbers don’t lie.
The Sang et Or win on fine margins, because they force those margins. Away from home, Lens have been far better than last season — they lock games down, then hit when it matters.
With Paris lurking, every point counts. This trip to Toulouse is a chance to send a message and keep the pressure on top spot.
Probable lineups
Toulouse :
Restes ; McKenzie, Cresswell, Nicolaisen ; Sidibe, Vossah, Casseres, Methalie ; Hidalgo, Gboho ; Emersonn
Lens :
Risser ; Ganiou, Baidoo, Sarr ; Aguilar, Bulatovic, Thomasson, Udol ; Thauvin, Said ; Edouard
What to take away
- Toulouse are on a positive run across all competitions.
- Lens have the best defence in Ligue 1.
- The Sang et Or are solid away this season.
- The first goal could be decisive.
Prediction Toulouse vs Lens
Lens to win
Lens go into this with more certainty and a collective control that often decides tight games. Toulouse can make life hard, but the Sang et Or’s discipline and finishing should tilt it in their favour.
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