Four days after edging Lyon, Lens return to the Bollaert lights for a Champions League meeting with Sporting Portugal on Tuesday, with Yannick Cahuzac reshaping his side for the 18:45 kick-off.
The Lens coach has made five alterations from the team that started Friday’s 2-1 victory over OL, balancing the demands of a rapid turnaround with a first European night at home in this sequence.
Baidoo handed first start of the season
Samson Baidoo comes into the starting XI for his first appearance from the outset this season. His inclusion follows the absence of Jonathan Gradit.
Saud Abdulhamid returns in the right wing-back role, while Amadou Haidara gets the nod in midfield ahead of Yacine Titraoui.
Thauvin leads changed attack
Captain Florian Thauvin will head the Lens forward line, supported by Franjo Ivanovic and Junior Kadile.
Odsonne Édouard, Florian Sotoca and Ruben Aguilar are among the substitutes as Cahuzac turns to fresh legs for Sporting’s visit.
