Lens visit Brest on Friday at 20:45 buoyed by Allan Saint-Maximin up front and the returning Samson Baidoo at the back. According to Le Progres, both could shape the run-in.
In Tuesday’s Coupe de France semi-final at Bollaert, Saint-Maximin started, consigning Wesley Saïd to the bench, and centre-back Baidoo returned after months out.
Saint-Maximin repeatedly unsettled Toulouse and capped it with a goal on 18 minutes.
Baidoo initially lacked rhythm and his turnover was punished by a Toulouse strike on 21 minutes. Coach Pierre Sage downplayed blame, saying the issue began earlier in the move.
The night finished 4-1, boosting hopes of finally landing the cup.
The Austrian, 22, is regaining sharpness after a hamstring injury and setback that cost him nearly three months. Sage accepts rust and lost habits can bring errors, a price he is prepared to pay.
He will manage Baidoo’s minutes, yet needs him in a back three to tighten a defence that has leaked too many lately. Lens are second on 62 points and will try to seal Champions League qualification ahead of Lyon on 54, Lille on 54, Rennes on 53 and Marseille on 52, before aiming to lift the Coupe de France on 22 May.
Up front, Saint-Maximin has timed his surge. After a flying winter start then a dip, Sage now sees better balance as the team organises around his talent and he fuels the collective.