Lens and Como meet in a battle between two attacking teams

Como have turned initiative into goals

Como beat Manchester United 4-1 and have repeatedly started European matches on the front foot. Nico Paz has contributed to five of their ten Champions League goals, while Tasos Douvikas has scored in three consecutive appearances.

Another goal would allow Douvikas to equal Vangelis Pavlidis’ Greek record of scoring in four successive Champions League matches. Lens must prevent Paz from receiving freely between midfield and defence, where he can release a runner before the back line is set.

Lens have created pressure without scoring

Lens have taken 40 shots without scoring across their last two Champions League matches. Florian Thauvin continues to create chances, but the final action has not matched the volume of attacks.

The game is scheduled for 4 November at 21:00 CET. Lens have won four of six home UEFA matches against Italian clubs, but that record will matter only if the hosts turn possession into shots from useful positions rather than repeated efforts through a crowded centre.

Como have fewer available players than Lens

Lens are without Odsonne Edouard, Bartlomiej Nawrocki, Abdukodir Khusanov Ganiou and Abdallah Sima. Como cannot use Trevoh Chalobah, Moise Kean, Assane Diao, James Rodriguez or Jayden Addai, leaving Cesc Fabregas with only 15 available outfield players.

The absences make substitutions and energy management important. Como cannot press at full intensity for the entire evening without considering the final half-hour, while Lens need to create an advantage before the visitors can slow the game.

The goalkeepers start attacks as well as stop them

Both teams ask their goalkeepers to begin moves under pressure. Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser was replaced by Jean Butez in the France squad in September, a reminder of the competition surrounding a position that also carries responsibility in possession.

A short pass can draw the opponent forward and open space behind the first line, but one inaccurate ball may create a chance before the defence is organised. The safer choice will change from one phase to the next.