Lens vs Bastia preview - Riou is wary of Bastia

Posted Friday, January 30, 2015 by PA

Lens goalkeeper Rudy Riou is telling his struggling team-mates to beware of in-form relegation rivals Bastia when they meet on Saturday.

Lens are second bottom and a point shy of safety, with Bastia just three points ahead of them in the scrap to survive.

Their recent form has been markedly better than Lens', though, and Riou wants to make sure his men do not let their guard down against one of the competition's improving teams.

"Bastia are a dangerous team with a good collective," Riou told his club's official website. "Their coaching change (in November) has done them some good and right now they are riding a wave of confidence.

"We know we have to be wary of them the most."

With Bastia riding a nine-match unbeaten run in all competitions, Riou has every right to be wary of Ghislain Printant's men, but he thinks if they defend like they did in a 0-0 draw with Reims last week, they will have a chance.

"We need the same ingredients as those we had at Reims," he added. "We need that defensive strength, a clean sheet and to create chances to score at least one goal. That would allow us to take the three points."

Printant has taken a grounded view of his side's transformation under his management.

"I try to adapt and find the best formula," he told Football365 France this week.

"I have perhaps not yet found it but will fight with the boys I have available."