Lens predicted XI v Metz: Rayan Fofana to start in place of Odsonne Édouard | OneFootball

After their progression in the Coupe de France in midweek, RC Lens are likely to field a rotated line-up as they prepare to host FC Metz on Sunday afternoon.

Some of the changes that Pierre Sage is expected to make will be enforced. The former Olympique Lyonnais manager is contending with several absentees. Ruben Aguilar, Kyllian Antonio, Samson Baidoo, Jonathan Gradit, Wesley Said and Allan Saint-Maximin are all out. It means that Lens’ options in attack and defence are very much limited.

Despite that, Sage has said that he aims to rotate his side. Odsonne Édouard, most notably, is expected to drop to the bench, giving way for youngster Rayan Fofana, whilst captain Adrien Thomasson could also be benched. It may be Malang Sarr who wears the armband in his absence. 

Lens likely line-up v Metz

Robin Risser; Malang Sarr, Ismaelo Ganiou, Nidal Celik; Matthieu Udol, Mamadou Sangaré, Andrija Bulatovic, Saud Abdulhamid; Abdallah Sima, Rayan Fofana, Florian Thauvin. (L’Éq)

GFFN | Luke Entwistle