Montpellier enter this fixture on the back of successive victories, starting with a shock 2-1 win over Monaco before securing the same result away to Toulouse last time out.

Much like their triumph over the Red and Whites, where they overturned a first-half deficit to win through a Musa Al-Taamari brace (52' and 82'), La Paillade displayed their comeback prowess once again against Carles Martinez Novell's side.

After falling behind to Cristian Casseres's 59th-minute effort, Montpellier responded swiftly, with Modibo Sagnan levelling two minutes after the hour mark before Othmane Maamma's 82nd-minute strike completed the turnaround.

Despite those results, MHSC remain in the relegation zone, but manager Jean-Louis Gasset can take encouragement from his team's recent upturn, having recorded as many wins in their last two games as they had in their previous 17.

While the hosts look to extend their resurgence, they face a tough challenge against Lens, having gone winless in their last six meetings, including three draws and three defeats, while failing to score in four.

MHSC's season has been defined by defensive woes, shipping a league-high 44 goals, while their tally of 20 makes them the joint-second lowest scorers, a vulnerability they must address against a Lens side that has been the toughest to breach on the road, conceding just eight times.

Meanwhile, Will Still's side returned to winning ways last time out, following a 2-1 defeat to reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain with a 1-0 victory over Angers.

After relinquishing a 36th-minute lead from M'Bala Nzola in a comeback defeat to PSG, Les Sang et Or responded with a commanding display against the newly promoted side, not allowing a single shot on target while registering four of their own, one of which saw Przemyslaw Frankowski's 49th-minute strike prove decisive in settling the contest.

Lens are now tied on points with sixth - placed Lyon, but trail in goal difference and are four points behind Monaco in the race for the final Champions League spot. They hope the victory over Angers can trigger a winning streak as they strive for a third consecutive European campaign.

The Blood and Gold have had an inconsistent season, achieving back - to - back wins only twice. The first time was in the opening fixtures against Angers and Brest, and the second was between late November and early December, with 2 - 0 wins over Reims and Friday's hosts in the first encounter.

Historically, Lens have dominated this matchup. They've won 25 out of 45 meetings between the two teams, boasting a 49% win rate, which is their highest against any team in the current top - flight season.

The hosts will be without captain Jordan Ferri, who remains suspended following his red card in the defeat to Angers earlier this month.

Nikola Maksimovic is ruled out for the season with a hamstring injury, while Christopher Jullien and Lucas Mincarelli are sidelined for Friday's match, with both expected to return in early February.

Australian goalkeeper Matt Ryan, who was signed from Roma following Brice Samba's unexpected departure, is set to retain his place in goal for Lens after a quiet debut against Angers.

Meanwhile, the visitors have continued to strengthen, bringing in Abdulay Bah on loan from Manchester City just a week after selling Uzbekistan international Abdukodir Khusanov to the Premier League club for £34 million, though Friday's clash may come too soon for the new arrival.

Lens remain without several key players, including Denis Petric (back), Jhoanner Chavez (ankle) and Remy Labeau Lascary, who is sidelined for the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Montpellier HSC possible starting lineup:

Lecomte; Sylla, Mouanga, Sagnan, Omeragic, Tchato; Chotard, Nzingoula, Savanier; Al-Taamari, Khazri

Lens possible starting lineup:

Ryan; Sarr, Gradit, Medina; Frankowski, Sotoca, El Aynaoui, Thomasson, Fulgini; Nzola, Koyalipou