The increase in performance and decrease in performance that Lens shows in each season is always surprising. Last season they played so well that they could even reach a position that was actually not possible for them to get but this season with a busy schedule and tougher opponents in the Champions League made Lens difficult and this was difficult for them to anticipate.
But even so I will still believe they can return to a better position for Ligue 1 because even for the Champions League they are currently still able to compete but honestly I am quite doubtful they can get through the group phase.
I agree about the Lens which have the worst start of the season but now on recovery with unbeaten in last seven games with three wins and four draws mean things are coming back on right path which works for them in last season, and they are able to secure their spot into Champions League, but now recent success give them good chance for having fight back for the best even still need more improvement and increase in performance as well which will allow them for go through.
Now they are going to host Nantes which is having impressive start of the season and currently at the seventh spot with four wins their away record is not good which will give Lens a fair chance for the full three points and having improved into their rank which is currently just above relegation jail.
At least 2 draws and 2 wins in the last 4 matches are a little better than they have to lose in the matches they play.
Lens at this time I think they will still focus on the Champions League because the conditions are still possible to qualify from the group phase even though I am still a little doubtful about them but besides Arsenal who are most favored to qualify from the group phase the rest Sevilla and PSV are still equal to Lens and they can still compete to qualify.
As for the current Ligue 1 they as much as possible dont want to get a defeat regardless of the draw for them as long as they get point I think this will not be too much of a problem.
Now with their current condition it is very important for Lens to maximize all the players they have because they still have to fight in the remaining 3 group phase matches and also continue Ligue 1 which is actually still difficult, but when they try to be consistent again then it will be very good.