Lille marked their return from the French winter break last weekend with a more than comfortable 4-1 hammering of Excelsior in the Coupe de France, but their return to action is also marred by the fact that Naim Sliti, Hamza Mendyl, Youssouf Kone, and Yves Bissouma will all be missing for the next five weeks or so due to the African Cup of Nations.
This could be a crucial time in the season for Lille as well, as they wait to find out which way they will go. There are just ten points separating 7th position from 18th, and with Lille slap bang in the middle of this tight section, a good run of results could put them well in the top half or a poor streak could see them in relegation trouble.
The hosts overall form has been patchy at best this season, but recently it’s looked a little better. They have won four, drawn two, and lost two of their last eight in all competitions, which is a welcome break after a run of eight defeats in ten games prior to this.
St Etienne are another one of the teams in this mid-table battle, although they are faring a bit better than Lille. They find themselves 8th in the table with two points between them and Rennes above them. They sit five points clear of Lille, leaving them a mere eight points clear of the relegation zone.
Like their opponents, St Etienne also enjoyed a 4-1 win in the Coupe de France last weekend. Also like their opponents, they are in a spell of inconsistency with four wins, three draws, and three defeats from their last ten outings in all competitions. Away from home they have managed an impressive five wins in their last eight games though, whilst Lille have won five and lost four of their last ten outings on home soil.
As far as goals go, none of these teams really stand out from an individual point of view. The top scorer in these two squads is Eder with just four goals from his 17 appearances, so I think any goalscorer predictions are of very little value here.
The overall result does offer some value though. Considering St Etienne have only lost three of their last 13 on the road in all competitions and Lille have won just five of their last ten at home I think odds of 3/4 for a St Etienne Win or Draw Double Chance are good value. I’m going for that alongside a 1-1 correct score predictions at 5/1.
Lille vs St Etienne Preview
Lille was better of the two teams in previous Ligue 1 game played almost three weeks ago at home against Rennes, but only managed to take a point in a 1:1 game. Hosts entered the game better and had some chances, even missing a penalty kick in eleventh minute, while the guests took the lead in 22nd minute via Ntep de Madiba.
Players of Lille spent almost whole rest of the game being better, but were only able to level up the result towards the end of the game via Eder in 89th minute. After this point taken, Lille remained in the second part of the table with twenty-one points earned so far, which is three more than relegating worried Caen and they need to keep on winning. The team also comes from a 4:1 victory over Excelsior in Coupe de France game last Saturday evening.
Lille should be playing in 4-4-2 formation with Eder and Benzia as strikers. Offensive midfielder/forward Nicolas de Previlla (11/3) and central midfielder Rio Mavuba (9/0) are injured. Midfielders Mounir Obbadi (5/0), Naim Sliti (10/1) and forward Yves Bissouma (9/0) are out with African Cup of Nations duty. Offensive Yassine Benzia has a knock, but should be able to start. Central defender Stoppila Sunzu and offensive Rony Lopes both have some knocks, but should be able to play here.
St Etienne didn’t manage to get a three pointer in a home game against Nancy in the last game of 2016 of Ligue 1, when the team stood to a goalless draw even though they were playing with a man more since 60th minute. Players of St Etienne had much more of the ball possession, but didn’t manage to convert ball control into really good goalscoring chances.
After this point taken, which was second consecutive game without a victory in Ligue 1, St Etienne remained at eight position at the table, having eight points less than Europa League and fourth placed side Lyon. They also took a victory in early stage of Coupe de France with a 4:1 result over amateur side IC Croix last Sunday evening.
Visitors from Saint Etienne are set to play in 4-3-3 formation with Hamouma and Monnet-Paquet as wingers, plus Soderlund most likely as central striker. Central defender Leo Lacroix (13/0) is suspended, while injured remain goalkeeper Stephane Ruffier (17/0), as well as forwards Oussama Tannane (16/1) and Robert Beric (10/3). Defensive midfielder Ole Selnaes (13/0) is having a knock and is doubtful, same as central defender Florentin Pogba.
Lille should come into this one with a high confidence after better display in Coupe de France. Hosts are undefeated in last three matches in home games and should be able to impress here as well. St Etienne isn’t doing that well recently in away matches, but will be looking for improvement here. I definitely see both teams being offensive here and scoring at least once.
Head To Head
Lille and St Etienne have won three, drawn one, and lost three of their last seven meetings with one another.
Lille vs St Etienne Stats
Lille have won just 50% of their home games this season, whilst St Etienne have only lost 23% of their last 13 on the road.
Lille Team News
Defender Stopilla Sunzu, midfielders Rio Mavuba and Mounir Obbadi, and attackers Ryan Mendes Nicolas De Preville are all out injured. Naim Sliti, Hamza Mendyl, Youssouf Kone, and Yves Bissouma are all away at the African Cup of Nations too.
St Etienne Team News
Defender Florentin Pogba and attacker Oussama Tannane are injured, whilst Cheikh M'Bengue and Henri Saivet are away with Senegal at the African Cup of Nations. Watch Live stream free Click Here | Link 2#
You are three steps away from watching live sports on the web.
1. Register an account;
2. Make a deposit and receive your welcome bonus;
3. Watch Live Streaming.