Lens v FC Come: Sotoca set to lead attack as both sides face key absences

RC Lens host FC Come at Stade Bollaert-Delelis on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, in a fourth-round match of the league phase of the Champions League. Both managers are expected to make changes because of significant injuries, with Lens likely to retain a 3-4-2-1 system and Cesc Fabregas’ side set to line up in a 4-2-3-1.

RC Lens

Lens manager is facing several important absences ahead of the match, including Edouard, Sima, Ganiou and Nawrocki.

Florian Sotoca is expected to start as the central striker, providing experience in the attacking role. Samson Baidoo is also likely to come into the defence as Lens look to compensate for the players unavailable to them.

The expected Lens line-up is:

Goalkeeper: Robin Risser

Defenders: Jean-Clair Todibo, Samson Baidoo, Ruben Aguilar

Midfielders: Matthieu Udol, Michael Cuisance, Amadou Haidara, Saud Abdulhamid

Attackers: Thorgan Hazard, Florian Thauvin, Florian Sotoca

The match is the fourth Champions League league-phase fixture for Lens, who will welcome FC Come in front of their home supporters at Stade Bollaert-Delelis.

FC Come

Fabregas will also have to alter his selection, with Assane Diao, Jesus Rodriguez, Jayden Addai and Moise Kean all ruled out through injury.

Alex Valle is expected to feature in defence, where his ability to build play from the left is viewed as an important part of the visitors’ approach. Luis Milla should provide additional physical strength in midfield from the start, helping to protect the shape of the team and support the attacking players.

Nico Paz is expected to operate in the advanced midfield positions, with the young player set to play a central role in Come’s attacking movements.

The expected FC Come line-up is:

Goalkeeper: Jean Butez

Defenders: Alex Valle, Marc-Oliver Kempf, Jacobo Ramon, Yan Couto

Defensive midfielders: Luis Milla, Maximo Perrone

Attacking midfielders: Martin Baturina, Nico Paz, Lucas Da Cunha

Striker: Anastasios Douvikas

The two teams will meet shortly in their fourth league-phase match of the Champions League. The published match odds list Lens at 2.75 to win, with the draw priced at 3.60 and an FC Come victory at 2.00.