Lens and Sporting CP set for Champions League meeting at Stade Bollaert-Delelis

RC Lens will welcome Sporting CP in the second matchday of the Champions League on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 16:45 GMT at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis. Both sides are expected to line up with contrasting formations for the meeting.

Lens are likely to select an adventurous 3-6-1 system, using three central defenders and a heavily populated midfield to restrict Sporting’s influence. Florian Sotoca is expected to operate in the advanced midfield line, with O. Edouard named as the lone striker.

Robin Risser is the predicted goalkeeper, while J. Gradit, Ismaelo Ganiou and K. Antonio are set to form the defensive trio.

Ruben Aguilar and M. Udol are expected to provide width from the midfield positions, with Mickael Cuisance and Y. Titraoui operating centrally. F. Thauwin and Florian Sotoca complete the anticipated midfield selection.

Probable Lens XI

Robin Risser; J. Gradit, Ismaelo Ganiou, K. Antonio; Ruben Aguilar, Mickael Cuisance, Y. Titraoui, M. Udol, F. Thauwin, Florian Sotoca; O. Edouard.

Sporting are expected to retain their familiar 4-3-3 structure. The Portuguese side should use a back four behind a three-man midfield, while Geny Catamo, F. Ioannidis and N. Irankunda are set to lead the attack.

Rui Silva is the projected goalkeeper. Ivan Fresneda, E. Quaresma, Goncalo Inacio and G. Vagiannidis are expected to make up the defensive line.

Silas Andersen, Sergi Altimira and I. Doumbia are the likely midfield three, with the system designed to give Sporting control in the centre of the pitch. Geny Catamo and N. Irankunda should provide width alongside F. Ioannidis in the front three.

Probable Sporting XI

Rui Silva; Ivan Fresneda, E. Quaresma, Goncalo Inacio, G. Vagiannidis; Silas Andersen, Sergi Altimira, I. Doumbia; Geny Catamo, F. Ioannidis, N. Irankunda.

The match will be Lens’ second fixture of this Champions League campaign. According to the listed prices from 1xbet, Lens are rated at 2.62 to win, while a draw is priced at 3.85 and a Sporting victory at 2.67.