Lorient – Lille 16.11.2012

Struggling Lorient desperately need to end their eight-match winless run if they are to avoid slipping into the danger zone, whereas Lille hope to extend their winning run to four matches and thus make amends for the disappointing start of the league campaign.

Having finished last season just one point above the relegation zone, Lorient were always going to have problem surviving this league campaign. Club officials did well to add players like Alain Traore, Ludovic Giuly, Benjamin Corgnet and Eric Reale to the side, but captain Arnold Mvuemba and important midfielder Sigamary Diarra both left. Les Merlus, nonetheless, enjoyed a bright start to the season, winning 3 of first 5 league games, but they have since suffered a major dip in form and are now winless in last eight. That probably has something to do with injuries to star players, given that boss Christian Gourcuff clearly lacks decent replacements for the likes of Diarra, Coutadeur and Ecuele Manga. With Lorient taking just one point from last four games and conceding no less than 16 goals in the process, they certainly cannot be expected to stop in-form Lille.

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Lille squad did suffer some changes over the summer, with Eden Hazard and Joe Cole leaving, and Salomon Kalou, Ryan Mendes, Marvin Martin and Djibril Sidibe all arriving, but those changes couldn’t be an excuse for team’s dismal start to the season. Despite having a great squad at his disposal, boss Rudi Garcia largely struggled to get the best out of his side in early exchanges, with les Dogues producing some under-par showings in both Ligue 1 and Champions League. However, it appears the team have finally started showing what they are capable off, winning last three games in Ligue 1 and also beating very good Toulouse in Coupe de la Ligue. With the players now brimming with confidence and showing considerable improvement, I wouldn’t bet against les Dogues recording the fourth league win in a row. I highly recommend much safer bet on draw no bet on Lille.