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Leicester City is gearing up for their return to the Premier League with just 90 more minutes to go before their first match. They will be facing Ligue 1 team Lens in France on Saturday afternoon. Although pre-season results may not be the ultimate indicator of success, a win would certainly boost City’s confidence. Having suffered two 1-0 losses to Palermo and Augsburg, Steve Cooper’s team is looking to improve their attacking threat. Scoring a goal against Lens would ease the concerns of the fans and provide insight into Cooper’s lineup strategy against Tottenham.

The first half of the match saw Lens dominating possession and creating several good chances, while City struggled to break through the Lens defense. The injury of striker Daka further added to City’s challenges. Lens had opportunities to take the lead, with Thomasson missing a close-range shot and Said shooting over the goal. City found themselves in a defensive scramble, barely managing to clear the ball from their own box. Mavididi replaced the injured Daka as City continued to battle against Lens’ strong press.

Lens maintained their dominance in the second half, with Fulgini narrowly missing a shot on goal. City struggled to play out from the back due to Lens’ pressing tactics, often losing possession quickly. Despite a promising breakaway, City failed to capitalize on their chances, with Ndidi’s early pass cutting short a potential attack. Lens continued to push City back, forcing them into a defensive stance.

Former City player Papy Mendy featured in Lens’ lineup, adding an extra layer of competition for City. With several key players missing, including Vardy and Coady, City faced a tough challenge against a strong Lens side. The team selection for the match hinted at Cooper’s planned lineup for the upcoming Premier League fixture against Spurs. Questions about the full-back positions and the role of De Cordova-Reid were on the minds of fans and analysts alike.

The match against Lens served as the final test for City before their Premier League return, highlighting areas that needed improvement and strategies that needed fine-tuning. Despite the challenges faced by City, the match provided valuable insights for the team’s preparation for the upcoming season. As they gear up to face Tottenham in their first Premier League match, City will need to address their attacking threat and defensive stability to secure a positive start to the season.