Dino Toppmöller expects a fierce contest as Lens visit Slavia Prague in Champions League | OneFootball

Dino Toppmöller expects a combative night when Lens open their Champions League campaign away to Slavia Prague on Thursday at 21:00. He hopes the competition can reignite his side’s intensity.

According to L'Équipe, the head coach struck an upbeat tone at Eden Arena on Wednesday, saying it would be intense with plenty of duels despite two straight Ligue 1 defeats and concerns over performance and attitude.

Captain Florian Thauvin is also looking to the change of competition for a lift. There was encouragement with Matthieu Udol back in full training after a heavy thigh dead leg suffered against Lorient on Saturday, a 0-1 loss. Toppmöller said the defender has given the green light.

He will have recent signings Junior Kadile and Jean-Clair Todibo available for the first time. The coach was non-committal on starting Todibo, who is short of rhythm. Souleymane Sagnan is in contention to start.

With Yassine Titraoui sidelined by a hamstring problem, Michaël Cuisance and Amadou Haidara will form the double pivot. Franjo Ivanovic could lead the line.

Source: L'Équipe

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