French Cup 2025/2026: Lens-Tolosa, the likely lineups

Just four days after the tricky league match, Lens and Toulouse face each other again at the Bollaert-Delelelis Stadium at 9:10 p.m. This time, however, the stakes are higher since the winner of the match will break away with a pass to the French Cup final. Last Friday’s last preceding fixture provided strong emotions. In fact, Toulouse had managed to take a double lead before Gboho’s expulsion changed the inertia of the match. From that moment on, Lens took advantage, and eventually managed to overturn the result at 91′ bringing home a victory that gave morale and impetus to the players to continue chasing the dream of winning the championship. If Lens is flying on the wings of enthusiasm, Martinez’s Toulouse needs to turn things around after three consecutive defeats, looking to redo the good things shown in the start of the previous challenge.

Technician Sage is banking on quality and experience to hit the final. Between the posts there is confidence in young Risser, protected by a three-man line consisting of Masuaku, Ganiou and Sarr. But the real strength of the hosts lies in the three-quarter with the Saint-Maximin-Thauvin pair guaranteeing imagination and unpredictability in support of Edouard, as the only offensive reference.

Martinez seeks redemption by relying on the solidity of Nicolaisen in defense and the dynamism of Casseres and Demba in the middle of the field. On the flanks Sidibe and Methalie will play, while in attack all the weight of the department will be on Emersonn’s shoulders. Behind him will act Donnum and Gboho, the latter hunting for redemption after his mistake in the last game.

Lens-Toulouse, the probable formations

Lens (3-4-2-1): Risser; Masuaku, Ganiou, Sarr; Udol, Thomasson, Sangare, Abdulhamid; Saint-Maximin, Thauvin; Edouard. All. Sage.

Toulouse (3-4-2-1): Restes; Cresswell, Koumassa, Nicolaisen; Sidibe, Casseres, Demba, Methalie; Donnum, Gboho; Emersonn. All. Martinez.